If Youve Been Exposed To The Coronavirus

Overview

Being exposed to the coronavirus means you have been in close contact with someone who has the virus that causes COVID-19. Close contact can include living with someone who is infected, caring for them, or spending time near them indoors. Exposure does not always mean you will become infected. It does mean you should pay attention to your health and follow local guidance about testing and staying away from others.

Exposure to the coronavirus is common, especially when the virus is spreading in the community. Many people have been exposed at some point. Most people who become infected have mild illness, but some are at higher risk of serious illness.

Anyone can be exposed to the coronavirus, at any age. Risk of serious illness is higher for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, and people with long-term health conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. Children can also be infected, but they often have mild illness.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Shortness of breath or breathing that feels harder than usual
• Tiredness or feeling very worn out
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss or change in sense of smell or taste
• Feeling sick, vomiting, or diarrhea

Symptoms in children

• Children often have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all
• Fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose
• Tiredness or low energy
• Stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Some children may seem more irritable or feed less well

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have the usual symptoms, but sometimes symptoms are less obvious
• New confusion or unusual drowsiness
• Weakness, falls, or trouble managing daily activities
• Fever may be lower than expected or absent
• Worsening of existing health problems, such as heart or lung conditions

Causes

Main causes

• The coronavirus spreads mainly through tiny droplets and particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
• You can breathe these in, especially in crowded indoor spaces with poor airflow.
• The virus can also get on your hands and then into your mouth, nose, or eyes if you touch your face.
• People can spread the virus even before they feel ill, or if they never develop symptoms.

Risk factors

• Living with or caring for someone who has the virus
• Being in crowded indoor places with poor ventilation
• Close face-to-face contact with someone who is infected
• Not being up to date with recommended coronavirus vaccination
• Older age or having a weakened immune system
• Long-term conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or kidney disease
• Pregnancy

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have trouble breathing or your breathing is getting worse
• You have chest pain or pressure
• You feel confused, very sleepy, or cannot stay awake
• You cannot keep fluids down or show signs of dehydration
• You have a long-term condition that is getting worse
• You are pregnant and have symptoms
• You are worried about a child who is breathing fast, very sleepy, not drinking, or looks very unwell

Book a routine appointment if:

• You were exposed and want advice about testing or staying home
• You have mild symptoms and are unsure whether you need to be seen
• You are at higher risk of serious illness and want to ask about monitoring or treatment options
• Your symptoms are not improving after a few days
• You need advice about returning to work, school, or caring for others

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional or local testing service can check for coronavirus infection using a test. Testing is most useful when you have symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has the virus. Your symptoms, exposure history, and test result are considered together.

Tests that may be done

• A rapid antigen test, which can give a result quickly
• A laboratory molecular test, sometimes called a PCR test
• A home test kit, if these are available in your area and you follow the instructions carefully
• A repeat test may be advised if an early test is negative but symptoms continue

What to expect at your appointment

A test usually involves a swab from the nose, throat, or both. Some tests give results in minutes, while lab tests may take longer. If you have symptoms, follow local guidance about staying away from others while you wait for results. A negative test does not always rule out infection, especially if you have clear symptoms.

Treatment

Most people with mild coronavirus illness get better at home with rest, fluids, and careful monitoring. There is no single medicine that cures coronavirus infection. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms, watching for warning signs, and getting medical help early if you are at higher risk or become more unwell.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you need and avoid strenuous activity while you feel unwell
• Drink fluids regularly to avoid dehydration
• Eat light, balanced meals if you feel hungry; do not force yourself if you are not hungry
• Monitor your symptoms and write down any changes
• Stay away from others as advised by local health guidance
• Open windows and improve airflow in rooms where you spend time
• Cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often
• Ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter product, especially if you take other medicines or have health conditions

Medical treatments

Some people at higher risk of serious illness may be offered treatment by a healthcare professional. This depends on age, health conditions, how severe the illness is, and how long you have been unwell. If you are at higher risk, contact your local health service early to ask whether you should be assessed. Do not take unprescribed medicines or someone else’s medicine.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat coronavirus exposure or coronavirus infection.

Living with this condition

If you have been exposed, follow local guidance about testing, staying home, and avoiding close contact with others. Keep checking how you feel. It can help to keep a simple plan: who to call if you get worse, how to get food and medicines, and how to reach your healthcare provider. If you live with others, try to keep some distance, use separate rooms if possible, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep and take breaks during the day
• Avoid smoking and vaping, as these can irritate your lungs
• Keep up gentle movement if you feel well enough, but do not push through fever or severe tiredness
• Stay connected with friends and family by phone or video
• Ask for help with shopping, childcare, or errands so you can rest
• Return to normal activity slowly after you recover

Diet and exercise

Drink fluids regularly and eat balanced meals when you feel able. There is no special diet that cures coronavirus. If you have a fever or feel very tired, rest instead of exercising. Once you feel better, start with gentle activity such as short walks and build up slowly. Stop if you feel breathless, dizzy, or more tired than expected.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being exposed or unwell can feel stressful. You may worry about becoming ill, passing the virus to others, or missing work or school. Feeling anxious, low, or isolated is common. If you feel unsafe or are in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a local crisis service right away. You do not have to cope alone.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of catching or spreading the coronavirus. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Wear a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor places if local guidance recommends it. Keep rooms ventilated, avoid close contact with people who are unwell, and stay home if you have symptoms.

Vaccines

Vaccination is an important way to reduce the risk of serious illness from the coronavirus. Follow local advice about recommended coronavirus vaccines and boosters. Vaccines do not completely prevent infection, but they make severe illness less likely.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for everyone who has been exposed. Testing is usually based on symptoms, exposure, local guidance, or your risk of serious illness. Ask your local health service whether you should test.

Complications

If left untreated

• Breathing problems that get worse
• Pneumonia, which is an infection in the lungs
• Blood clots
• Hospitalization or needing oxygen support
• Long-term symptoms sometimes called long COVID, which can last weeks or months
• Worsening of existing heart, lung, kidney, or other health conditions

Long-term outlook

Most people who catch the coronavirus recover fully, especially if they are otherwise healthy. Some people become more seriously ill, and that is why watching for warning signs matters. Vaccination, early advice from a healthcare provider, and good self-care all help improve the chances of a good recovery. If you feel worried at any point, reach out for help.

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