How long after exposure to test positive for COVID?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID has a long incubation period of up to 10 days. On average, the time of exposure to active infection is typically five to six days, however it can be as short as three days with the new virus strain.
Even almost three years later, we’re continuing to learn new details about COVID-19. One area in particular that continues to confuse many people is how long it takes to develop symptoms after exposure and how long a person stays contagious.
Our expert, Cristina Cicogna, M.D. an infectious disease specialist at Hackensack University Medical Center, breaks it down to clear up the confusion.
How quickly can you get COVID after exposure?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID has a long incubation period of up to 10 days. On average, the time of exposure to active infection is typically five to six days, however it can be as short as three days with the new virus strain.
“You should wear a mask when around others as soon as you discover you were exposed and continue wearing it for a full 10 days even if you don’t have symptoms,” says Dr. Cicogna. “Start counting from day one, which is defined as the first full day after your last exposure.”
If you develop symptoms at any time, isolate yourself immediately and get tested.
When is the best time to test?
According to CDC guidelines, if you have been exposed and continue to experience no symptoms, you should test at least five days after your last exposure.
“When you discover you have been exposed, it might seem smart to get tested immediately,” Dr. Cicogna says. “However, getting tested too early may lead to a false-negative result. This can give a false sense of security and put others at risk.”
If the test result is negative, continue to take precautions until the 10-day mark. If you test positive, even if you aren’t symptomatic, you need to isolate for five days.
If you take a home antigen test, a negative test result doesn’t completely rule out infection. To be safe, consider serial testing to ensure you aren’t infectious—taking a second test 24–48 hours after your first negative result.
How do I know if it’s reinfection or lingering positive results?
Reinfections can occur within 90 days. After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for several weeks after the initial positive test. This makes it difficult to know if your new test indicates a new infection. “The best course of action would be to contact your health care provider regarding your results and individual circumstances,” says Dr. Cicogna.
“Everyone is different, so there isn’t a clear and easy answer regarding exposure and becoming sick. There are a lot of different scenarios and timelines to follow based on your exposure, if you are experiencing symptoms and whether you’ve tested positive or negative—and these timelines have changed numerous times over the past few years as the virus mutates and as scientists learn more,” says Dr. Cicogna. “If you are confused about what course of action to take if you’ve been exposed, have symptoms or have tested positive, contact your doctor for the most up-to-date recommendations to keep everyone safe.”
Meet our source: Cristina Cicogna, M.D.
To make an appointment with a primary care doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
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Some treatments might have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking. Ask a healthcare provider if medications to treat COVID-19 are right for you. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, visit a Test to Treat location or contact your local community health center or health department.
If you are hospitalized, your healthcare provider might use other types of treatments, depending on how sick you are. These could include medications to treat the virus, reduce an overactive immune response, or treat COVID-19 complications.
Convalescent Plasma
Some people with COVID-19 who are immunocompromised or are receiving immunosuppressive treatment may benefit from a treatment called convalescent plasma. Your healthcare provider can help decide whether this treatment is right for you.
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Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.
Learn more about what to do if you are sick.
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