“Covid contagious? ”
I tested positive for Covid last Thursday. My symptoms started on Tuesday with a minor headache. I am supposed to go out of town with a coworker next Friday and I’m trying to decide if I can go. The CDC guidelines say you are no longer contagious on day 11 and that’s when we would leave. We will be in a car together and a hotel room together. My symptoms have been very minor and I’ve never had a fever. I believe I was exposed the day my fiancé started having symptoms. I tried to describe the timeline below.
Fiancé’s symptoms began and infected me: 8/8/21
I had a minor headache: 8/10
I tested positive: 8/12
Leaving for trip: 8/20
My symptoms have only been headache, sneezing, some coughing, NO fever. I’ve basically felt like I have a sinus infection. If I feel normal by 8/19, should I go?
Fiancé’s symptoms began and infected me: 8/8/21
I had a minor headache: 8/10
I tested positive: 8/12
Leaving for trip: 8/20
My symptoms have only been headache, sneezing, some coughing, NO fever. I’ve basically felt like I have a sinus infection. If I feel normal by 8/19, should I go?
Female | 38 years old
Complaint duration: 6 days
Conditions: Covid
3 Answers
I do think it is safe to travel; nonetheless, can wear a mask when on public transportation to protect you and your traveling partner from any resp virus infection. an N95 is best.
Thanks for the question. Even a mild headache counts as symptomatic. To be conservative, you are considered contagious for about 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. This is not absolute, however. I would not advise sharing a room or traveling for 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. And don't forget to mask. N-95 mask is preferable, and it is to protect others from you, not you from others.
Most, but not all people are no longer contagious after day 10; it is a statistical issue. It really depends on your co-worker. Does he/she know this? Given informed consent? Been vaccinated? Had Covid? In a higher risk group? E.g., over age 60? Obese? Diabetic? On immune-suppressing meds? It is not only about you!
Carl Lauter, MD, MACP, FAAAAI, FIDSA
Carl Lauter, MD, MACP, FAAAAI, FIDSA
