Exposure to COVID-19: Assessing Your Risk After Contact with Positive Cases

Q: Exposure to COVID-19: Assessing Your Risk After Contact with Positive Cases

Hello： 1. Risk of infection： This can be discussed in terms of factors that lower and increase the risk of infection： - Factors that lower the risk of infection： You are wearing two layers of masks. - Factors that increase the risk of infection： The dist

Contact with confirmed cases?

Doctor, I would like to inquire about my mother who tested positive in a rapid test.
I went to the hospital to register and pick up antiviral medication, and I was surrounded by confirmed cases, standing less than two arm lengths away from them for over an hour.
I was wearing a mask, even double-masked, and did not take it off.
However, the elderly person in front of me removed their mask and coughed.
Am I at risk of contracting the virus? How long should I wait before taking a rapid test for accurate results? It has been a day, and I currently do not feel unwell.

Xiao Jun, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/05

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello:
1.
Risk of infection: This can be discussed in terms of factors that lower and increase the risk of infection:
- Factors that lower the risk of infection: You are wearing two layers of masks.

- Factors that increase the risk of infection: The distance from confirmed cases around you may be less than 1.5 meters, confirmed cases have removed their masks to cough, the duration of contact with confirmed cases may exceed 15 minutes, and the location where you are queuing is a hospital (which may be indoors or poorly ventilated).
Given the current severity of the pandemic, I personally believe that you still have a risk of infection.
2.
How long until a rapid test is accurate: Although you currently have no symptoms, the incubation period for COVID-19 is relatively long (1-14 days, with an average of 7 days).
Therefore, I recommend that you take a rapid test first, and then monitor for any symptoms before testing again.
If you are really concerned, you can test every two days.
If after 7 days you have no symptoms and the rapid test is negative, the likelihood of infection should be very low, and you can feel more at ease.

Reply Date: 2022/06/05

More Info

When it comes to assessing your risk of COVID-19 exposure, especially after being in close proximity to someone who has tested positive, there are several factors to consider. Based on your description, you were in a situation where you were near a confirmed case for an extended period, but you were wearing two masks and did not remove them. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and recommendations based on current medical knowledge.

Risk Assessment
1. Mask Usage: Wearing a mask significantly reduces the risk of transmission. The effectiveness of masks, especially when layered, can help filter out respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. However, if the individual in front of you removed their mask and coughed, there is a potential risk of exposure, especially if they were within close range.
2. Duration of Exposure: Prolonged exposure to someone who is infectious increases the likelihood of transmission. The CDC defines close contact as being within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. In your case, being in line for over an hour does put you at risk, particularly since the individual coughed without a mask.

3. Symptoms: The absence of symptoms one day after exposure is a positive sign, but it does not guarantee that you are not infected. COVID-19 has an incubation period that can range from 2 to 14 days, with most cases showing symptoms around 4-5 days after exposure.

Testing Recommendations
1. Timing for Testing: If you are asymptomatic, it is generally recommended to wait at least 5 days after exposure to get tested for COVID-19. This allows enough time for the virus to replicate to detectable levels if you have been infected. Testing too early may result in a false negative.

2. Type of Test: A PCR test is more sensitive and can detect the virus earlier than a rapid antigen test. If you have access to both, a PCR test is preferable for more accurate results.

3. Monitoring Symptoms: Continue to monitor yourself for any symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, or loss of taste or smell. If you develop any symptoms, you should get tested immediately, regardless of the timing.

Precautionary Measures
1. Self-Isolation: Until you receive a negative test result, it is advisable to self-isolate as a precautionary measure, especially if you develop any symptoms.

2. Informing Close Contacts: If you test positive, inform anyone you have been in close contact with, as they may need to monitor their health and consider testing.

3. Vaccination: If you are not already vaccinated, consider getting vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the severity of illness and the likelihood of transmission.

Conclusion
In summary, while your use of masks reduces your risk of contracting COVID-19, the situation you described does present a potential exposure risk. It is important to monitor for symptoms, consider testing after the recommended period, and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others. If you have any concerns or develop symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

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