This timeline generally holds, though transmission risk can vary.
Peak Contagiousness
Once exposed to COVID-19, it takes two to three days to show symptoms.
This period is called theincubation period.
Lazy_Bear / Getty Images
Even before symptoms start, you’ve got the option to spread the virus through breathing and talking.
Therefore, continuing towear masksand following other precautions is important even after isolation ends.
How Long Will You Test Positive for COVID?
If 10 days pass and you are still testing positive for COVID, you should still consider yourself contagious.
It’s best to continue isolating until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
How Long Does COVID Immunity Last?
Immunity duration varies by age, health, and vaccination status.
Studies show that vaccines are most effective during the first three months after vaccination.
What Are the First Signs of COVID?
Not everyone infected with COVID will have a fever, though.
Asymptomatic cases are generally less severe and have a lower viral load.
Am I Still Contagious After 10 Days if I Have a Cough?
Which COVID Variant Is Most Contagious?
FLiRT variants are considered more contagious than previous ones.
They have an increased ability to infect cells and evade the immune system.
This is true even for people who have been previously infected or vaccinated.
Are Kids More Contagious Than Adults?
Does Vaccination Reduce Contagion?
People who have received an updated vaccine have a reduced risk of infecting someone else with COVID-19.
People with mild or asymptomatic illness are usually no longer contagious after 10 days.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19 CDC Yellow Book 2024.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.Understanding the CDC’s Updated COVID isolation guidance.
Washington State Department of Health.What to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or another respiratory virus.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.COVID-19 vaccine: What you better know?.
2024 May;1(1).
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.13606
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing respiratory viruses.
