How Long Is COVID-19 Contagious?: COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) can be contagious for weeks or longer, depending on the patient. The time from infection to the start of symptoms (incubation) ranges from four days to two weeks, though patients are contagious before symptoms develop. Follow CDC guidelines for self-quarantining if you have a coronavirus infection.
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Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are very common and typical cause cold-like symptoms. There are seven coronaviruses that infect humans, with SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 being the most notable of the seven. However, COVID-19 (Wuhan coronavirus, 2019 novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV) appears to be more contagious than MERS or SARS and appears to not only spread via respiratory secretions, but it may also spread through fecal contamination. -
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention Tips
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes COVID-19. Reduce your risk of infection with the following tips: wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; avoid touching your face if your hands aren't washed; practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet). -
COVID-19 Vaccines
There is currently no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19, but one is authorized for use under an emergency designation. Pfizer-BioNTech created one in distribution Dec. 2020. As of December 12, 2020, The New York Times Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker listed 58 vaccines in clinical trials on humans, with 15 having reached the final stages of testing. At least 85 preclinical vaccines are under active investigation in animals. Possible rare side effects may include allergic reactions and a facial nerve problem called Bell's palsy, but the connection with the vaccine wasn't clear as of late 2020. -
Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19 Coronavirus
Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic proteins that imitate the immune system’s ability to fight off foreign invaders such as viruses. A monoclonal antibody medication called bamlanivimab is specifically directed against the spike protein of COVID-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), and is designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells.
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How Long Is COVID-19 Contagious? Topic Guide - Visuals
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How Long Is COVID-19 Contagious? Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
RemdesivirRemdesivir is used to treat people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who are in a hospital...learn more »
Interferon Beta-1aInterferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and...learn more »
Interferon Alfa-2bInterferon alfa-2b is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma caused by AIDS, and certain types of genit...learn more »
PrednisonePrednisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body, and also suppresses your immune system...learn more »
Dexamethasone (injection)Dexamethasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
How Long Is COVID-19 Contagious? Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Can COVID-19 Cause Bells Palsy
There have been rare case reports of Bell's palsy that accompany COVID-19 infection. The connection still remains unclear, but since Bell’s palsy is thought to ...learn more »
Does COVID-19 Cause Paresthesia
Paresthesia, such as tingling in the hands and feet, is not a common symptom of COVID-19. It is, however, a symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder ...learn more »
Chronic Kidney Disease COVID-19 coronavirus safety
If you have a chronic kidney disease during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should follow your treatment regimen and strict social distancing, as your immunity is co...learn more »
Flu and COVID-19 At the same time
It is technically possible to have both influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 at the same time, because they are different viruses, however, it is extremely uncommon...learn more »
Erectile Dysfunction During COVID-19
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is not a typical symptom of COVID-19, the disease caused by the pandemic coronavirus. COVID is known to cause blood clots, whic...learn more »
Is Sore Throat A Symptom Of COVID-19
COVID-19, a coronavirus disease not previously identified in humans, is responsible for an outbreak of respiratory illness that has become a global pandemic. So...learn more »