If you've recently been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, taking prompt and informed actions is crucial to determine if you've been infected and to prevent further spread. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what steps to consider.
The first step after potential exposure is to recall the nature of your contact with the COVID-positive individual. Distance and duration are key factors.
SPC Med, guided by the Department of Health (DOH), advises everyone who had close contact with COVID-19 positive patients to self-quarantine and remain at home for 14 days from the date of their last contact.
You are considered to have had "close contact" if any of the following criteria apply:
Always maintain a safe distance from high-risk individuals, such as older people and those with underlying medical conditions, as much as possible.
If a friend or family member tests positive, it's highly recommended to get yourself tested, even if you don't exhibit any symptoms. Research indicates that asymptomatic individuals can still spread COVID-19.
Timing is critical for accurate results. Do not get tested immediately after exposure. Testing too quickly might result in a false negative, as symptoms typically appear around five days after infection. It's best to:
While waiting for your COVID-19 test result, it’s imperative to stay away from others. Stay home to help contain the potential spread of the virus.
Begin your self-quarantine day count from two days before any symptoms even became visible (if you develop them later).
It's also important to remember everyone you’ve interacted with recently. Inform them about your close encounter with a COVID-positive person and that you are awaiting your test results. Remind them to monitor their own health and to also stay home for the time being.
Congratulations if you test negative! However, even if you’re feeling healthy and don’t show any signs of infection, you should still stay home and self-quarantine for the full 14-day period after your last COVID-19 exposure.
A negative result obtained before the completion of your quarantine period does not eliminate the possibility of a future infection. A second test might be necessary if you begin to develop symptoms later on.
COVID-19 symptoms can vary significantly from mild to severe and may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after your initial exposure. The most commonly associated symptoms include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to first call your medical care provider or doctor for further instructions and guidance.
SPC Medical Center offers various COVID-19 testing options, including Rapid Antibody testing, Rapid Antigen Test, and RT-PCR Swab testing.
For more information, please contact the hospital at +63493101100 or email inquiry@spcmc.com.ph.
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