Contagious Period for COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. It is very contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact. The contagious period for COVID-19 can vary depending on the individual's health status and the severity of their infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 are infectious for up to 14 days following initial exposure.
The period after exposure but before people begin to experience symptoms is known as the incubation period. For COVID-19, this period may be 2-3 days. People are considered contagious for COVID-19 for about 8 days after symptoms begin but may be the most contagious the day before symptoms present. Therefore, in total, people infected with the COVID-19 virus may be contagious for about 2 weeks.
For individuals with severe illness or weakened immune systems, they can be infectious for up to 20 days. It's worth mentioning that tiny parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can continue to shed beyond 20 days, but they are no longer infectious.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:
- Social distancing: If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you believe you have COVID-19, it is important to isolate yourself.
- Current recommendations are to stay away from others until your symptoms are getting better overall for at least 24 hours AND you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours.
- If you had severe symptoms or are immunocompromised, consult with a healthcare professional before ending isolation.
- When resuming normal activities, the CDC recommends taking additional prevention steps and precautions for 5 days that include:
- Open doors or windows to bring in fresh outdoor air, purify indoor air, or gather outdoors
- Cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, and frequently clean touched surfaces
- Wear a mask as an additional precaution to reduce virus transmission
- Put physical distance between yourself and others when possible as a precaution
Remember, these recommendations are general guidelines and may vary depending on individual circumstances. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific situation.