COVID-19 Patients Most Contagious During the First Five Days

A new study published by The Lancet on November 19, 2020, found 'although SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding can be prolonged in respiratory and stool samples, the viable virus is short-lived. Most studies detected the SARS-CoV-2 viral load peak within the first week of COVID-19 illness.

This study's findings highlight 'isolation practices should begin immediately with the identification of any COVID-19 symptom,' such as loss of smell or taste.

"Although viral RNA loads appear to be largely similar between those with and without symptoms, a few studies suggest that asymptomatic individuals might clear the viral material from their bodies faster," added lead author Dr. Muge Cevik, of the University of St Andrews, UK.