How long can a covid19 infected person be contagious?

How long can aCOVID-19 infected person transfer the infection to someone else? 

The cases of coronavirus are increasing every day. The number of positive cases is reaching new heights daily with no potential of slowing down. Till now we know that coronavirus is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract. It spreads through tiny droplets from the nose and mouth from an infected person while coughing, sneezing, or hand to mouth contact. Right now the best precautionary measure is to cover your nose and mouth when in public places. This reduces the chances of getting the virus. 

Ever since this pandemic has begun, there is one question that hits everyone’s mind: how long after getting infected with COVID-19 can a person be contagious and pass on the virus to others? 

The incubation period for COVID-19? 

Incubation time is the period between getting exposed to the virus by different means and the onset of the symptoms. According to the WHO, coronavirus takes 1 to 4 days to show symptoms such as coughing, breathlessness, fever, and exhaustion. In many cases, signs are visible within 4 to 6 days after being exposed to the virus. 

How long an infected person can pass on the virus? 

As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people suffering from Coronavirus are highly contagious when they have symptoms. The first 7 days after the symptoms are very risky. But some people can also spread the virus 1 to 3 days before showing the symptoms. The higher the virus, the greater is the risk of transmission. 

When a person is no longer infected? 

Recovering from any health condition is a long process. In mild cases, the recovery can take up to 1 to 2 weeks. However, in severe cases, it may take up to a month to test negative for Covid-19. If a person does not show any symptoms for 3 days, without taking any medicines then they are not considered to be infectious. 

Study: 

Few studies suggest that the virus stays in the 

However, there are studies that suggest that the virus stays in the body for a long time after recovery. The virus can be found in the blood for 20 days after the symptoms. 

So, this shows that a person can be contagious for 6-7 days after showing symptoms.