If you've found yourself stuck in this situation, I'm so sorry. It's definitely one of the most nerve-racking and scary experiences someone can go through right about now. However, you're in the situation now, and the best thing to do is to follow some very important steps.

First, you should immediately quarantine

Until you know anything for sure, don't go anywhere. Stay home and notify those that you live with.

Depending on the severity of the exposure, notify those that you've been around recently.

If you already know a time frame in which you could have possibly been carrying it around, it's best to let the people you came in contact with during that time know. Tell them you'll keep them posted. Only tell those that would be mainly affected — according to my contract tracer, the general rule of thumb is exposure to someone (with or without a mask on) for more than fifteen minutes.

Wait for further information.

It's tough, but with the severity of COVID-19 in the United States and the nature of the virus, it's not wise to rush and get a test right away.

If you have access to testing and have deemed that you should probably get one (with mild or no symptoms but with the knowledge that you've been exposed), go get tested.

I like to really emphasize that last part. If you're scared, that's not a good enough reason to go get tested. There are people out there that need it more. You cannot put yourself first in a situation like this. A lot of cases can be dealt with from home, so keep calm and think rationally. If you're feeling symptoms, then obviously go get tested. If you know with 100% certainty you could have gotten it directly from someone you've been spending time with, go get tested.

To find a testing location near you, click here.

Quarantine/isolate if instructed to do so (or you just know that you should).

Everyone knows the stakes at this point. You can be killing your family and the family of your roommate and friends. It really isn't worth it, whatever you're trying to do. You can wait.

I know this is a lot, but it is so serious. Don't try to play it off like it's not to make yourself or others feel better.

Good luck. You can make it through this. Remember to stay calm and reach out to those that you love.