How contagious is COVID?

Transmission is more likely during close contact, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. A person may pass the virus on while feeling well, so symptoms alone cannot identify every exposure. Coughing, talking, singing and breathing release particles that can remain in shared air or reach people nearby.

Symptoms can include cough, fever, fatigue, headache and feeling generally unwell. The degree of illness and the chance of passing infection on vary between people and can change as the virus and community immunity change.

If you have symptoms or a positive test, limit close contact, improve ventilation and consider a well-fitting mask around others, especially people at higher risk. Cover coughs, wash hands and avoid sharing personal items. Follow current local health advice about testing, staying home and returning to normal activities. Arrange clinical advice early if you are at increased risk of severe illness.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty waking, or lips or skin that look blue or grey. Contact a clinician if symptoms are worsening, dehydration makes it hard to drink, or fever persists. New breathing problems may require assessment for complications such as pneumonia.

Ask when you should test, how long to avoid close contact, whether you need treatment because of your health history, and which warning signs should trigger urgent review.