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A 62-year-old male asked:

Hi doctors! my friend just called me that he tested positive for covid..we were in close contact yesterday. should i get tested today or wait? if i should wait, when should i get tested? should i get rapid test & pcr? when can we get together again?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Ferguson
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Testing 5 days after presumed exposure or at the start of symptoms will usually reflect true acquisition of the infection. The newer data on Omicron suggests transmissability for 2 days before & 3 days after the onset of symptoms. Some still prefer isolation for 10 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Robert Trager
Dentistry 56 years experience
If you have any symptoms get tested, if not wait at least 10 days and get the PCR test for the most accurate result.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Jan 25, 2022
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