How Long After Exposure Should You Get A COVID-19 Test?

With the increasing prevalence of the Delta variant, vaccinated persons also need to be aware of what precautions to take after being exposed to COVID-19. Official CDC guidance does not require fully vaccinated persons to quarantine after exposure but recommends getting a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after exposure. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, you should wear a mask indoors for 14 days after exposure to prevent spreading the virus.

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When to Get Tested for COVID-19 After Exposure

If you were recently exposed to COVID-19, it is likely you were exposed to the Delta variant. You will most likely test positive within 4 days after being exposed to the Delta variant, but a negative test does not necessarily mean you are not infected. If you are exposed and test negative, you should obtain a second test in the next few days.

Prevalence of the Delta Variant

The Delta variant is the dominant strain in the country and is the most contagious to date. Below is a graphic depicting the proportion of each strain by region, with the Delta variant in orange.

Proportion of Strain of COVID-19 by Region