How long are you contagious with COVID after testing positive?

A test detects viral material, but it does not measure how much live virus you can pass to another person. Contagiousness is influenced by when symptoms started, whether they are improving, and your immune health. Some people can spread COVID-19 before they feel unwell, while others remain infectious for longer when illness is severe or immunity is reduced.

A positive result should therefore be treated as a reason to reduce close contact, not as a precise countdown. Persistent fatigue, cough or loss of taste does not by itself prove that you are still contagious.

Stay away from crowded indoor places while you are acutely unwell, improve ventilation, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands. Avoid close contact with people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 until you are recovering and have followed current local guidance. If you must be around others, a well-fitting mask can add protection.

Do not share food, cups or personal items during the acute illness. Tell close contacts when appropriate, especially if you were together before the positive result.

Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, chest pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or blue or grey lips or skin. Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are worsening, fever persists, or you have a condition or treatment that weakens immunity.

Ask for medical advice if you remain unwell after the infectious period you were given locally. Ongoing symptoms such as fatigue or difficulty concentrating may need assessment for causes including Long COVID.

Ask which local isolation advice applies to your situation, when it is safer to return to work or school, whether your medicines affect infection risk, and what to do if symptoms worsen. Share the test date, symptom onset and any immune-related health condition.