When is COVID contagious?

A person with COVID-19 can release virus-containing particles when breathing, speaking, coughing or sneezing. Spread is more likely in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and during close face-to-face contact. Contagiousness can begin before a person realises they are ill, so feeling well does not always rule out transmission.

Symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, fatigue or feeling generally unwell can occur with COVID-19, but symptoms alone cannot show whether someone is still infectious. A positive test, new symptoms or a known exposure should prompt extra care around people at higher risk of severe illness.

Stay home when you feel unwell and limit close contact while symptoms are active. Improve airflow by opening windows or using ventilation, and consider a well-fitting mask when you must share indoor space. Wash hands regularly, avoid sharing personal items, and follow current local public-health advice about testing and returning to normal activities.

If a test is positive, tell recent close contacts so they can monitor themselves. Take extra precautions around older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a condition that increases the chance of severe COVID-19. Recovery can continue after the most infectious period has passed; lingering cough or fatigue does not by itself prove ongoing contagiousness.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or lips and face that look pale, grey or blue. Contact a clinician promptly if fever is worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or you are at increased risk of severe illness and develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Ask whether you need testing, how long to limit contact, and when it is reasonable to return to work or school. Mention your symptom start date, test results, medicines and any health conditions so the clinician can tailor advice.