Wellness·5 min read

How Long Is COVID Contagious? And When Will I Stop Testing Positive?

Woman Taking COVID Test at Home
Design: theSkimm | Photo: iStock
June 6, 2022

It’s the final countdown. You’re getting close to the end of your isolation after a bout of COVID-19, but after all this time dealing with the virus…What’s next? When can you stop isolating and rejoin the world? How long is COVID contagious? We broke down what you need to know about your post-COVID journey — including what to do if symptoms stick around longer than expected.

How long does it take to recover from COVID? 

It typically takes up to a couple of weeks for most people to recover from COVID. Some people may recover in a few days. When symptoms last longer than four weeks, though, it may be considered long COVID. More on that below. 

How long is COVID contagious? And when can I stop isolating? 

The CDC says COVID is most contagious within the first five days after testing positive. In some cases, you may be contagious for longer. You can feel comfortable ending your quarantine or isolation from others if: 

  • At least five days have passed since your symptoms started. 

  • Your symptoms are improving at a consistent rate (not including symptoms like loss of taste and smell, which might last for a few weeks or months).

  • 24 hours have passed since you’ve had a fever (and you haven’t used any fever-reducing medications in that timeframe).

If you experienced shortness of breath, were hospitalized, or have a weakened immune system, it’s better to be cautious. That’s why the CDC recommends isolation for at least 10 days versus five. After 10 days, if you’re still experiencing COVID symptoms, you may need to continue isolation for up to 20 days. 

If you had COVID, recovered and then your symptoms returned, all within three months? Then it’s recommended to take an antigen test. A positive result means you’ll need to turn that isolation timer back up to 10 days, then test again. 

If you’re still unsure (or if you’re immunocompromised), consult with your doctor before ending your isolation. Or if your COVID symptoms seem to get worse. 

Do I still need to wear a mask? 

The CDC recommends that you wear a mask around others for an additional five days after you stop isolating. Then take an antigen test after the five-day mark. A negative result plus no fever for at least 24 hours means you can stop masking. If it’s positive, it’s recommended to isolate for another five days and try again.

How long will you test positive for COVID after recovery?

Usually, you can expect to test positive on an antigen or rapid test for up to 10 days. But if you’re using a PCR test, you could test positive for much longer — weeks or even months after infection. People who’ve recovered from COVID-19 can have “detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA” in their body for up to three months after the initial infection, according to the CDC. The good news is, most of those people are probably not infectious after the first 10 days if they’re no longer showing symptoms.

How long are you immune to COVID after having it? 

Research shows that you can have some level of immunity after COVID-19 that lasts at least six months. Yes, that means that you can get the virus again. So it’s important to continue to take the necessary precautions to keep you and others safe. Get vaccinated, wash your hands thoroughly, and wear a mask indoors in public areas with a high COVID-19 community level.

What do I need to know about long COVID?

Some people who have COVID can experience long-term effects, known as long COVID or post-COVID conditions. It’s more common in people who had severe cases of COVID, but they can affect anyone who has had the virus — even those with mild or no symptoms. Those who weren’t vaccinated for COVID and got sick are more at risk compared to those who were vaccinated. One study showed that vaccinated people are 50% less likely to have long COVID compared to unvaccinated people. 

You may have long COVID if you’re still dealing with symptoms at least four weeks after testing positive. The symptoms can include post-exertional malaise (symptoms that get worse after expending mental or physical effort), heart palpitations, and brain fog. But determining whether you have long COVID can be tricky:  Some symptoms may stem from other health issues — which can make it harder for healthcare providers to identify long COVID. Plus, the CDC said that there isn’t a test for post-COVID conditions or long COVID symptoms yet. Talk to your doctor if you feel that you’re worried about long COVID. 

Can you tell me how long after COVID to get a booster?

Generally, experts recommend getting a booster shot three months after recovering from COVID. Even though you may have some temporary natural immunity, you’re more likely to get COVID-19 again if you don’t get vaccinated. If you’re immunocompromised or have a specific health condition, check with your doctor — they may recommend you get a booster sooner than three months post-infection.

theSkimm

We know you’re ready to get back into the swing of things after COVID-19. While your symptoms might be gone, you may still test positive for a while. Knowing how long to isolate and when to mask up can help keep you and others safe as you recover. So pay attention to how your body feels throughout your recovery. And be on the lookout for signs of long COVID so you can talk to your doctor if your symptoms don’t subside. 

Updated on Apr. 6 to reflect new information.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a medical opinion, medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment of any particular condition. 

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