The time between exposure to an infectious organism (virus or bacteria) and the onset of symptoms.
The incubation period for SARS-CoV-2 is usually around 5 to 6 days, and ranges from 1 to 14 days, for both adults and children.
TIP: The incubation period is distinct from the latent period, and the two terms may not be used interchangeably. The period between exposure and ability to infect another person is called the ‘latent period’. Researchers estimate that people who get infected with the novel coronavirus can spread it to others two to three days before symptoms start and are most contagious one to two before they feel sick.
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Infectious Disease Symptoms Transmission