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Jan 9, 2024 · The answer has changed from the earliest days of COVID-19, experts say. “In the beginning of the pandemic, we were really looking at seven to 10 days as the window of time where people had to ...
Jan 7, 2024 · Takeaways. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you may begin to show symptoms after a 3-5 day incubation period. The amount of time will depend on the variant you were exposed to ...
- Overview
- Transmission
- How long do symptoms take to appear?
- What are the symptoms?
- What to do
- When to contact a doctor
- Summary
Symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear 2–14 days after exposure to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus.
In this article, we discuss how long it takes for symptoms of COVID-19 to appear, what those symptoms are, how to treat them, and when to see a doctor.
For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.
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A person can develop COVID-19 after contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The virus spreads primarily through saliva droplets or discharge from the nose when a person who has contracted it sneezes or coughs.
The incubation period is the time between the exposure to a virus or bacteria and the appearance of symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that symptoms typically appear 2–14 days after exposure.
The findings of 2020 research on 181 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection suggest that 97.5% of those who are symptomatic will begin to show symptoms within 11.5 days. The researchers also estimate that the mean incubation period for SARS-CoV-2 was 5.1 days.
Although the majority of people develop symptoms within 14 days of getting the virus, in some people, it can take longer. The study authors note that other research has shown that in 101 of every 10,000 individuals who get COVID-19, the incubation period is longer than 14 days.
According to the CDC, the symptoms of COVD-19 include:
•cough
•chills or fever
•shortness of breath
•muscle aches
•body aches
If a person suspects that they have contracted the virus and are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to contact a healthcare provider.
By calling ahead of visiting, people can protect themselves and others.
The CDC recommend:
•Staying at home: Self-isolation is important to ensure that the coronavirus does not spread. A person should only leave home to receive medical care.
•Monitoring symptoms: Keep a record of how any symptoms develop.
•Resting and staying hydrated: Get as much sleep as possible and drink plenty of water. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help, including acetaminophen.
If a person believes that they have come into contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they should contact a healthcare professional for advice. A person should always call ahead before visiting so that the medical staff can prepare and protect other individuals.
It is also important for people to practice preventive measures, such as hand washing and physical distancing.
They should also wear face masks in public settings where physical distancing measures may be difficult to maintain.
These settings include:
•hospitals and other healthcare settings
•workplaces
Although the time that it takes for COVID-19 symptoms to appear varies from person to person, the mean incubation period is 5.1 days.
A person should seek immediate medical advice if they experience any severe symptoms.
People with milder symptoms should manage them at home and avoid contact with others to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
A person should also follow other key recommendations, such as keeping physical distance where possible and washing the hands regularly.
Watch ASL Video: What to do if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. 1 Masks are not recommended for children under ages 2 years and younger, or for people with some disabilities. Other prevention actions (such as improving ventilation) should be used to avoid transmission during these 10 days. Last Updated Aug. 24, 2022.
Mar 27, 2024 · Critical COVID-19 illness means the lung and breathing system, called the respiratory system, has failed and there is damage throughout the body. Rarely, people who catch the coronavirus can develop a group of symptoms linked to inflamed organs or tissues. The illness is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
Mar 15, 2024 · A: People with COVID-19 could potentially transmit it to others well beyond a day after developing symptoms or testing positive. New guidance from the CDC advises people to isolate until they have ...
Mar 15, 2024 · COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. Some PCR tests can differentiate between flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
