Being contagious means you can spread the virus to others. But how long does it last?
You're most contagious a few days before and after you get symptoms. But this is different for everyone.
You start becoming contagious 1-2 days before you get symptoms.
This is usually when you're most contagious. Stay isolated!
You may still be contagious, especially with symptoms like a cough.
Most people are less contagious after 10 days, but people with severe illness or a weakened immune system may be contagious for longer.
You can still be contagious even if you're asymptomatic. Typically, this lasts for about 10 days after testing positive.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to remain in isolation until you are no longer contagious.
If you have no symptoms, end isolation after 10 days or after you have no fever for 24 hours (without medication) and your symptoms have improved.