Timeframe for COVID-19 (coronavirus) symptom onset
In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, understanding the symptoms and incubation period of the virus is crucial. Here's what you need to know:
The incubation period for COVID-19 symptoms is typically between 2 and 14 days after exposure, with an average around 3 to 6 days, often cited as about 5 days on average across studies. Notably, some variants like Delta have shown shorter incubation periods closer to 4 days.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- New or worsening cough - Fever - Shortness of breath - Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste - Fatigue or tiredness - Sore throat
Sneezing and runny nose are also common symptoms, while less common ones can be:
- Diarrhoea - Headache - Muscle aches - Nausea or vomiting - Malaise - Chest or abdominal pain - Joint pain - Confusion or irritability
Symptoms usually arise around 2 to 5 days after infection but can take longer.
It's important to note that many infected individuals (estimated between 20-60%) may remain asymptomatic, showing no symptoms but still able to spread the virus.
To summarise:
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Incubation Period | 2-14 days, average 3-6 days (about 5 days) | | Most Common Symptoms | Cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of smell/taste, fatigue, sore throat | | Less Common Symptoms | Diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, chest pain, confusion | | Asymptomatic cases | 20-60% of infected persons |
This variation in the incubation period and symptom severity underscores the importance of monitoring for symptoms for the full 14-day period after exposure and highlighting that individuals can be infectious before symptoms appear.
If you suspect you have contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus and are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, contact a healthcare provider. If you believe you have come into contact with the virus, contact a healthcare professional for advice. Always call ahead before visiting so that medical staff can prepare and protect other individuals.
In the meantime, practice preventive measures such as hand washing and physical distancing, and wear face masks in public settings where physical distancing measures may be difficult to maintain. Maintain distance from other people as much as possible, especially household members. Use a separate bathroom if available and wear a cloth face covering or mask when coming into close contact with others. Regularly wash hands and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For those caring for a person with COVID-19, ensure they take any medication recommended by a healthcare professional, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medications to control fever and alleviate symptoms. Limit contact with pets, use separate rooms to sleep and eat in, and avoid sharing personal items. Wear a cloth face covering or face mask when caring for the person.
Regular and thorough hand washing, as well as the widespread use of cloth face coverings, help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep a record of how symptoms develop and rest as much as possible. Drink plenty of water and use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to help alleviate symptoms.
Sources: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [2] World Health Organization (WHO) [3] National Health Service (NHS) UK [4] Johns Hopkins University [5] Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC)
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