After testing positive for COVID-19, you are generally contagious starting from about 2 days before symptoms begin (or from the positive test date if asymptomatic) and remain contagious for an average of 7 to 10 days. Many people are no longer infectious after 5 days, but some can be contagious up to 10 days or longer depending on illness severity and individual factors
. Key points on contagiousness and isolation:
- Infectious period typically begins 48 hours before symptoms or positive test and lasts about 7 full days, sometimes up to 10 days
- Most people are most contagious around day 4 of symptoms, with contagiousness decreasing afterward
- Isolation is recommended for at least 5 full days after symptom onset or positive test, followed by continued masking and precautions for an additional 5 days
- If symptoms persist or worsen, isolation may need to be extended, especially for moderate to severe cases or immunocompromised individuals, who may remain contagious beyond 10 days
- Rapid antigen tests usually turn negative within about 10 days, but some people may test positive longer; continued positivity can indicate ongoing contagiousness
In summary, you are contagious from about 2 days before symptoms or positive test and remain so for roughly 5 to 10 days, with isolation advised for at least 5 days and masking for an additional 5 days to reduce transmission risk
