The duration for which a person infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to others is a crucial factor in controlling the spread of the disease. According to health experts, most people with COVID-19 are most contagious in the initial days after symptoms begin.
Typically, individuals become contagious about 2 to 3 days before symptoms appear, reaching the peak of transmissibility during the first 5 days of illness. After this period, the risk of transmission decreases but can still occur, especially in more severe cases or in people with weakened immune systems.
The guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States suggest that most people can end isolation 5 days after the onset of symptoms, provided they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. However, wearing a mask when interacting with others is recommended for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms to further reduce the risk of transmission.
Asymptomatic individuals, meaning those who tested positive for COVID-19 but do not show symptoms, are also considered contagious. They should follow the same isolation guidelines.
It’s important to note that the period of contagiousness can vary depending on the individual and the virus variant. Therefore, following public health guidelines and maintaining preventive measures such as mask-wearing and vaccination remain essential to controlling the spread of COVID-19.
