Since the novel Coronavirus was introduced, scientists and healthcare professionals have been working tirelessly to give the public more information. You may have been in contact with someone who contracted the infamous virus, but how long does it take for COVID-19 symptoms to appear?
When Is Someone Most Contagious With COVID-19?
If an individual is infected or exposed to the virus, contagion can begin up to 48 hours before symptoms appear. However, the person is most contagious early in the infection, one or two days before signs appear. There is also a risk of high contagion three or four days after the symptoms immerse. It is highly important that you remain in your home and avoid contact with anyone if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
How Long Is Someone Contagious?
Before we talk about when symptoms appear, it is crucial to know how long someone can be contagious. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is essential to educate ourselves in the infection process. Anyone with mild-to-moderate infections will be contagious for at least five days after being infected. The likelihood of contagion becomes very unlikely after the fifth day and into the days following.
When Will Symptoms Present Themselves?
So, how long does it take for COVID-19 symptoms to appear? You may be infected with COVID-19 and not even realize it because it can take two to six days before the symptoms appear. Quarantining is crucial after exposure to reduce the risk of spreading the virus (even if you don’t seem to have symptoms yet). Depending on logistics, the virus could take up to 14 days to present itself in an individual.
List of Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. The following symptoms are not a complete list but common enough in all individuals infected with the virus.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle pain and body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
Remember to always seek medical attention if you have trouble breathing, pain in the chest, confusion, pale lips and face, or the inability to stay awake. While AFC Urgent Care does not offer COVID-19 vaccinations, we offer Raleigh COVID testing for fast, reliable results. Stay healthy and safe whenever you encounter any virus or illness.
