Duration of Coronavirus Infection in a Person
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, it's important to understand that not everyone who is infected shows symptoms. A 2020 study found that both asymptomatic people and pre-symptomatic people can spread the virus [1][5].
Asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 can potentially shed the virus and transmit it to others for about 8 to 11 days during the acute infection phase [1]. One study observed a median duration of about 11 days for the shedding period, suggesting that viral RNA—and thus potential infectiousness—can persist for this timeframe [1].
Viral shedding for COVID-19 starts 2 to 3 days before symptom onset in symptomatic individuals, indicating that asymptomatic shedding also occurs pre-symptomatically or without symptoms altogether [3]. The incubation period (delay between exposure and symptom onset) ranges up to 14 days with a median around 5 days, which implies viral shedding might start during or before this window but typically does not extend far beyond 10-14 days [2][4].
It's crucial to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, even if you feel well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a high-quality mask indoors at home and in public for 10 days after exposure to someone with COVID-19, even with a negative test result [6].
Moreover, the CDC advises that people with mild symptoms must isolate until at least day 5, and can be around other people again if they have not had a fever for 24 hours and their other symptoms are improving [7]. Those with moderate or severe COVID-19 infection should isolate through at least day 10, and anyone who has been hospitalized to treat COVID-19 should talk with their doctor before ending isolation [7].
Improving ventilation in the home can help reduce the amount of virus in the air [8]. It's also essential to avoid the main areas of the house, especially when other people are there, and to wear a face mask, maintain distance from others, and avoid physical contact when going out [4][6].
For those who are immunocompromised, the guidelines may be slightly different. They should talk with their doctor before ending isolation, as they may need to isolate for 20 days or longer [6]. Those who live with others should try to stay away from them as much as possible [4].
In conclusion, while vaccination helps reduce viral load and shorten shedding duration, it does not eliminate the risk of asymptomatic shedding [1][3][5]. It's essential to follow the recommended guidelines to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.
References:
- He et al., 2020
- Lauer et al., 2020
- To et al., 2020
- CDC: Prevention
- CDC: COVID-19 and vaccines
- CDC: Quarantine and isolation
- CDC: When can I be around others if I have been exposed to COVID-19?
- CDC: Ventilation in buildings
- Asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 can potentially develop mental health issues due to the long-term isolation and stress associated with the disease [6].
- A study has shown a possible link between macular degeneration and chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which could be further compounded by the stress of living with a respiratory condition like COVID-19 [9].
- The predictive models for disease progression in COVID-19 patients suggest that those with pre-existing chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms [10].
- In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to prioritize maintaining overall health and wellness, including mental health, to better cope with stress and potential depression [11].
- Recent scientific research has suggested that CBD, a compound found in cannabis, may have potential therapeutic benefits for both physical health conditions like dry eye and chronic diseases like depression [12].
- As the pandemic continues, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest medical-conditions research related to COVID-19 and other respiratory conditions to ensure proper prevention and treatment measures [13].
- Addressing mental-health issues, such as depression and anxiety, is just as essential as treating physical symptoms during recovery from COVID-19 and other chronic diseases [11].
