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Jan 9, 2024 · Federal health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend testing no sooner than five days after a COVID-19 exposure, unless you develop symptoms...
Jan 7, 2024 · COVID-19 symptoms may show 2-14 days after you've been exposed to the virus. This timeline depends on which variant you were exposed to. What is the most common incubation period for COVID-19?
Feb 24, 2024 · According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. A review of studies conducted from 2020 to March 2022 indicated an average incubation period for COVID-19 at six to seven days, ranging from 1.8 to 18.87 days.
- 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.
Mar 27, 2024 · Many factors affect your risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19. How long you are in contact, if the space has good air flow and your activities all affect the risk. Also, if you or others wear masks, if someone has COVID-19 symptoms and how close you are affects your risk.
Mar 11, 2022 · “Day 1” starts the day after the exposure. Watch for symptoms. Even if you test negative, pay attention to the development of any symptoms for the next 10 days. If you develop any symptoms,...
Feb 24, 2024 · Infectious Diseases. Coronavirus (COVID-19) How Many Days to Quarantine or Isolate After COVID-19. By Lana Barhum. Updated on February 24, 2024. Medically reviewed by Amelia MacIntyre, DO. Print. Table of Contents. View All. After Exposure. After Symptoms or a Positive Test. When to Leave Isolation. When to Stay in Isolation.
