Here’s How Long You’re Contagious With The Latest COVID Variant

Nobody wants to give COVID-19 to a loved one (or anyone). But determining just how long you’re contagious isn’t an exact science, as it can vary from person to person. So

you may have a hard time figuring out whether you’re putting others at risk. However, there are rules you can follow and things you can know to help protect those around you — and

to ease other concerns about your infection, too. Here, experts share guidelines for how long you might be able to spread COVID-19 and when you’re most contagious, including

with the viral strain that is currently dominant.Most people are contagious for about 10 days. It’s not always clear how long a person is contagious because, like a lot of

things with COVID-19, the exact timeline depends on many factors, said Dr. Stuart Ray, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of

Medicine in Baltimore. But, Ray said, the conventional wisdom is that you are contagious and must isolate for five full days after your symptoms begin — with your first day

of symptoms counting as day zero. But keep in mind that you aren’t in the clear after five days. “It’s often said then that you should wear a mask after that to try

and protect others because it’s hard to be certain how long you’re infectious,” Ray said. “That period often lasts up to 10 days,” he added — and once again, your first day

of symptoms counts as day zero. Long story short, you are likely contagious for about 10 days after symptoms begin. You should isolate for the first five days and wear a

mask on at least days six through 10.