When Is COVID-19 No Longer Contagious

 

COVID-19, also referred to as coronavirus, is an infectious illness. It spreads from person to person. If you catch the virus, you may be contagious and able to spread it to others. But how long does an infected person remain contagious? When is it safe to be around other people again without the risk of spreading the virus?

In this article, we will explain when a person infected with COVID-19 is no longer contagious. We will base this on guidelines from health experts. These include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will answer common questions about the contagious period. We will also provide tips on how to tell when it is safe to be around others again.

How long is the contagious period for COVID-19?

The CDC says infected people can spread the virus that causes COVID-19. They can spread it starting from 2 days before they have any symptoms. This is why COVID-19 spreads so easily. People may not know they are sick but can still infect others.

The CDC says infected people are most contagious then. This is in the few days before and after symptoms. This is when the viral load in their body is highest. The viral load refers to how much of the live virus is present in respiratory fluids like the nose, mouth and lungs. Higher viral load means a greater chance of spreading the infection to someone else.

Infected people stay contagious for at least 10 days after symptoms start. This is true even if they have no symptoms. This 10 day period represents the smallest duration for contagiousness.

But, some infected people may stay contagious for up to 20 days. They remain contagious after their first symptoms. Or, after their first positive test if they never develop symptoms.

So in summary, the contagious period for COVID-19 lasts:

• 2 days before symptoms appear until 10 days after symptoms first appeared.
• Or 2 days before the first positive test until 10 days after the test if no symptoms developed at all.

When are you no longer contagious with COVID-19?

Based on the guidelines above. Here are the key points to know about when a person is no longer contagious with COVID-19:

• If symptoms develop, a person is no longer contagious. This happens 10 days after their symptoms first appeared. This is if they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. And, their other symptoms have improved.
• If a person tested positive but had no symptoms, they are no longer contagious. This is true 10 days after their first positive test.
• In rare cases, someone may stay contagious for up to 20 days. This is after their first symptoms or positive test. This happens if their symptoms last a long time or they have certain health conditions.
• People very sick with COVID-19 or with weak immune systems may remain contagious for over 20 days. In these cases, health officials will provide more guidance.

So, to sum up: it’s been at least 10 days since your symptoms started. Your fever has subsided, and your other symptoms have shown improvement. You can stop isolating and are very unlikely to spread COVID-19 to others. If you never had symptoms but tested positive, you can stop isolating. Do so 10 days after your first positive test.

Tips for telling if you are no longer contagious

Here are some tips and signs. They can help tell if it’s safe to stop isolating because you are likely no longer contagious.

• Fever: You have had no fever for at least 24 hours. You did this without fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen. Fever is a sign of active infection.
• Respiratory symptoms: Cough and shortness of breath have improved . Only minor coughing may remain.
• Your taste and smell improved. If COVID-19 took them, they have returned.
• 10 days since symptoms began: It has been at least 10 full days since your symptoms first appeared. This is the smallest duration required by the CDC.
• You no longer feel exhaustion or fatigue. It is not severe enough to impact daily activities. This is true even after resting. It is different from normal post-illness fatigue.
• Home tests may show a negative result. If they do, they are safe to resume activities. But remember that the isolation period should not rely on test results.

If all your symptoms are getting better, it has been at least 10 days since they started. Furthermore, you have been free of fever for a duration of 24 hours. You have likely recovered enough to end isolation safely. But still watch closely for returning symptoms for the next few days.

Conclusion

Follow health experts’ guidelines. They let you know when the contagious period for your COVID-19 infection has likely ended. Then, it is safe to stop isolating and resume normal activities. Typically, infected people are contagious for at least 10 days. This period starts from when their symptoms first began. But some may remain contagious for up to 20 days. Always check yourself for symptoms. Use the 10-day smallest timeframe recommended by the CDC. Taking these steps helps prevent spreading the virus. It’s to family, friends, and your community after recovering from COVID-19. With care and monitoring, you and your loved ones can get through an infection.

FAQs about the contagious period

Here are some asked questions about the contagious period for COVID-19:

Can I test positive after stopping isolation even if I’m not contagious?

Yes, you can still test positive for COVID-19 with a PCR test after you have recovered. You are no longer contagious. PCR tests can sometimes detect small pieces of virus even after the person has recovered. You are not contagious if you test positive. You must meet the CDC’s criteria for ending isolation. Only use symptoms and the number of days since the start of symptoms or a positive test. Use them to determine when isolation can safely end.

When should I get re-tested after recovering from COVID-19?

You do not need to get re-tested after recovering from COVID-19. Once you meet the CDC criteria for ending isolation, you can resume normal activities. The criteria are: being fever-free for 24 hours without medication. And, having improving symptoms. Also, it’s been at least 10 days since symptoms began or a positive test if no symptoms. You do not need a negative test. Tests can sometimes stay positive for weeks or months after recovery. This is due to leftover virus pieces, not active infection. Continuing isolation or restrictions based on test results alone is unnecessary. This is true after meeting ending isolation criteria.

Can I be contagious without feeling sick?

Yes, it’s possible to have and spread COVID-19 without experiencing any symptoms yourself. That’s one of the reasons this virus spreads so easily. People infected may not know they have the virus if they do not have symptoms. But, they can infect others for 2 days before symptoms appear or even if they never feel sick. Always take precautions. These include wearing a mask, keeping your distance, and avoiding crowds. Do this when outbreaks are happening in your area, even if you feel fine. Assume you or anyone could be contagious.

What if my symptoms come back after ending isolation?

If your symptoms return or get worse after ending isolation, you may need to isolate for 10 days again. Watch your symptoms and check with your doctor. If it’s been less than 10 days since your symptoms ended, you’ll need to isolate again. Wait until at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms returned. Then, you can end isolation again. Call your doctor if you get a fever or worse symptoms. These make you feel you need medical help. They can tell on next steps or whether you may need re-testing.

If you are looking more more, Click here