How Long Are You Contagious With COVID?
After COVID-19 testing confirms what you’ve been dreading—a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2—the process of isolation and recovery begins. Many people want to do the right thing, staying away from others until they are no longer contagious, but how long is that time period? We’re exploring this answer and more.
How Long Are You Contagious With Coronavirus?
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including a review of 113 studies from 17 countries, shows that infectiousness peaks one day before symptom onset and declines within a week of symptom onset. The average period of infectiousness and risk of transmission is between 2-3 days before and 8 days after symptom onset. For asymptomatic people, the contagious period is based on their test date. Recent data has shown that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.
How Long To Quarantine After a Positive COVID Test?
On January 4, 2022, the CDC updated the COVID-19 quarantine and isolation recommendations with a shorter time frame. Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to COVID-19 while isolation is for people who have tested positive for the virus.
CDC Quarantine Recommendations as of January, 2022:
Please check the CDC website for the most up-to-date quarantine recommendations.
| If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up-to-date on your COVID vaccinations | If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are up-to-date on your COVID vaccinations | If you were exposed to COVID-19 and had a confirmed case within the last 90 days |
| Stay home and quarantine for at least 5 days Get tested on day 5 if possible Monitor for symptoms through day 10 Take precautions (like wearing a mask, avoiding travel and people who are at high risk) through day 10 | No quarantine unless you develop symptoms Get tested on day 5 if possible Monitor for symptoms through day 10 Take precautions (like wearing a mask, avoiding travel and people who are at high risk) through day 10 | No quarantine unless you develop symptoms Get tested on day 5 if possible Monitor for symptoms through day 10 Take precautions (like wearing a mask, avoiding travel and people who are at high risk) through day 10 |
Although CDC guidelines for vaccinated adults state that a quarantine isn’t necessary, some may choose to do so out of an abundance of caution.
CDC Isolation Recommendations as of January, 2022:
Please check the CDC website for the most up-to-date isolation recommendations.
| If you tested positive and had symptoms | If you tested positive and did NOT have symptoms |
| Isolate for at least 5 days. You can end isolation at this time if you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved (please note that loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months so you can still end isolation if other symptoms have improved but these have not). Wear a mask through day 10 and take all precautions. | Isolate for at least 5 days. Day 0 is the date you were tested. You can end isolation at this time if you continue to have no symptoms. Wear a mask through day 10 and take all precautions. If you develop symptoms after testing positive, your 5 day isolation period should start over. |
These guidelines do not include people who were severely ill with COVID-19 or who are immunocompromised. For more information on recommendations for these individuals, as well as the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC website.
How Long After Exposure Are You Contagious?
It’s difficult to say, because the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects people differently. However, CDC guidelines say that you should be tested five days after your exposure, or as soon as you start experiencing any symptoms. As stated above, people tend to be most contagious early in their illness, so it’s important to take precautions like masking, washing hands, social distancing, and staying at home as much as possible. This will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, since it’s possible for you to be contagious and not know.
How Long Will You Test Positive for COVID After Recovery?
Many people wonder, how long does it take to get a negative covid test after testing positive? Available data shows that patients who have recovered from COVID-19 can continue to test positive for up to three months after their illness. However, despite the possibility of continuing to test positive, scientists have not found evidence that these individuals are infectious during this time. In fact, studies have shown that clinically recovered adults who test positive after their recovery have not transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to others. This is why the CDC continues to advise ending isolation based on symptoms, not positive tests.
BioCollections: Your Reliable COVID-19 Testing Partner
Getting tested is an important part of stopping the spread of COVID-19. When it comes to knowing your health status, we understand the importance of getting a quick, reliable test result. Here at BioCollections, we offer PCR tests with a standard turnaround time of 13-24 hours, so you can know as soon as possible. Check out our website for more information on where our testing sites are located, or to set up your test today!
