If You Contract COVID: How Long Does it Take for Symptoms to Appear?
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has affected millions of people worldwide and has completely disrupted our lives. The virus spreads easily from person to person, so it`s important to know the symptoms of COVID-19 and how long it takes for them to appear.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of COVID-19 can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. This means that you may be carrying the virus and not know it for up to two weeks after being exposed. It`s important to note that some people may not experience any symptoms at all but can still transmit the virus to others.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, and nausea. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it`s important to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
If you do test positive for COVID-19, it`s important to self-isolate immediately to prevent the spread of the virus to others. The length of time you need to self-isolate will depend on how severe your symptoms are and whether or not you have any underlying health conditions. The CDC recommends that people with COVID-19 self-isolate for at least 10 days after their symptoms first appeared and until their symptoms have improved and they have gone at least 24 hours without a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should also self-quarantine for at least 14 days to monitor for any symptoms. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes.
In conclusion, if you contract COVID-19, the symptoms can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. It`s important to know the symptoms of COVID-19 and to get tested if you are experiencing any of them. If you do test positive, it`s important to self-isolate immediately and follow the guidelines from your healthcare provider to prevent the spread of the virus to others.