How long does it take to start showing symptoms after being exposed to COVID-19?
It usually takes between two and 14 days to start feeling symptoms. This is called the “incubation period” of the virus.
Is there an Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Colorado?
DENVER, (Dec. 2, 2021): Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in Colorado. The case was identified in an adult female resident of Arapahoe County who had recently traveled to Southern Africa for tourism.
Can a person initially test negative and later test positive for COVID-19?
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- Yes. A negative test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in the person’s sample. This can happen when a person is tested too early in their incubation period and there isn’t enough viral material for the test to detect.
- False negative PCR results can also occur if a sample was collected improperly or not handled or stored at proper temperatures.
- If your PCR test is negative and you got tested while you had symptoms, it is likely that you do not have COVID-19. Your symptoms may be due to a different illness. However, this is not 100% certain.
- Rapid antigen tests (also known as at-home rapid tests) can offer faster results, but they are less sensitive than PCR tests. If you have symptoms and you test negative using a rapid test, you may need to take a PCR test to confirm the results.
- People who test positive using a rapid test are generally considered to have COVID-19 and must isolate.
How long do COVID-19 symptoms last?
It depends on how serious the illness is.
Will my rapid test results tell me if I am infected with a variant of COVID-19?
No. Your test results will only tell you if you are positive or negative for COVID-19, not the specific variant you have. However, the COVID-19 data dashboard shows which variants are most prevalent throughout the state.
What is close contact for COVID-19?
See full answerClose contact means you have been in direct contact (like hugging, feeding, or being coughed on) with someone who is sick. You can also be exposed as a close contact if you are within six feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. That doesn’t have to be 15 minutes in a row. If you were close to an infected person for five minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the afternoon on the same day, you’ve had close contact with someone with COVID-19. When community transmission levels are high, it is possible to have close contact and be exposed without knowing it because you are more likely to have contact with people who are infected.
Can a person with COVID-19 spread the disease without having symptoms?
Yes, it’s possible for people to spread the virus before they have symptoms or without having symptoms at all. People start to be contagious two days before developing symptoms. For that reason, it is critical for people to consistently follow physical distancing recommendations, wear well-fitting masks that fully cover the nose and mouth, cloth face coverings, and wash their hands frequently.
Is it possible to get COVID-19 and not have any symptoms?
Some people who get COVID-19 don’t feel any symptoms. This is called an asymptomatic case. People who are asymptomatic can still spread the virus to other people.
Do I need to report my positive or negative COVID-19 test results to state or local public health?
If you got tested at a testing site, the lab that processed your test or the health care provider who ordered it will report your test results to public health.