The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the lives of people all over the world. As the virus continues to spread, it is important to understand how long an infected person is contagious and the risk of transmission to others.
How Long Are You Contagious With COVID-19 Symptoms?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that an infected person with COVID-19 is contagious for about 10 days. The contagious period begins when the person begins to show symptoms and can last up to 10 days after the onset of symptoms. It is important to note that this is an estimate and the contagious period can vary from person to person.
Understanding the Risk of Transmission
It is important to understand that the risk of transmission is highest when an infected person is most symptomatic. The risk of transmission begins to decrease as the person’s symptoms lessen and eventually resolves when the person is no longer symptomatic. It is also important to note that even when an infected person is no longer contagious, they can still transmit the virus to others if they do not follow proper hygiene and social distancing protocols.
Understanding how long a person is contagious with COVID-19 is important to prevent the spread of the virus. It is essential that infected individuals adhere to the recommended guidelines from the CDC, such as avoiding contact with others and wearing a face mask in public, to help reduce the risk of transmission.
