Updated Aug. 1, 2023
Diagnosed With or Exposed to COVID-19
If you have recently been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 or are concerned that you have symptoms, you may be wondering what to do next.
Get Tested
Symptoms
If you are concerned that you may have COVID-19 because you have symptoms, get tested right away.
Exposure
If you are concerned that you have COVID-19 because you were exposed to someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19, get tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure. If you were exposed and are experiencing symptoms and testing negative, consider getting tested again in another 2-3 days as some tests may not detect an early infection due to low viral load.
See Testing for more information about COVID-19 testing options.
What to Do
If You Are Concerned You Have COVID-19
If you are concerned that you have COVID-19 because you are experiencing symptoms, refer to this page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If You Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 by coming into close contact with an individual with COVID-19, please follow the guidance here.
If You Have COVID-19
Stay home except to get medical care, separate yourself from other people, and monitor your symptoms.* This is called “isolation,” which is the most important time to monitor your health and to make sure you don’t spread COVID-19 to others. You should also wear a mask, wash your hands often, and avoid sharing personal items. If you have questions about your condition, contact your healthcare provider or refer to the following guidance from the CDC and DOH.
- What to Do If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone
- Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
- What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
*Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face. This is not a complete list of symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
What Happens Next?
It is important for others who may have been exposed to you to be notified You can get a head start on helping your friends, loved ones and community by letting your close contacts know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Don’t worry, it’s possible to do this while keeping your identity and health information completely confidential by using a secure public health app provided by tellyourcontacts.org. Visit the site to learn more.
Get Help During Isolation
Need help with groceries, getting medications, childcare or paying bills while you isolate at home? Help is available. Learn about Care Connect Washington.