This is how long it takes for someone with Coronavirus to start showing symptoms

Scientists have confirmed how long it takes for coronavirus symptoms to develop in infected people.

The team of US-based immunologists studied more than a hundred cases of Covid-19 in order to give a better estimate of its incubation period in humans.

Their report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that, on average, it takes around five days for symptoms of Covid-19 to develop.

They also found that 97 per cent of all people who get the virus will develop symptoms within 11 days after they were first infected.

The report said that the current government advice, which tells people suspected of having the disease to self-isolate for 14 days, is “well supported by the evidence”, and that “the estimates presented here can help public health officials to set rational and evidence-based COVID-19 control policies.”

What are Covid-19’s symptoms?

The Covid-19 strain of coronavirus, which has already infected more than 119,000 people around the world, has three main symptoms:

- A dry cough

- Fever

- Breathing difficulties (in more severe cases)

The NHS notes, “Do not leave your home if you have either:

– a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.”

Who is worst affected by Covid-19?

As with other viruses, like the flu, some groups will be worse affected than others. Older people, and those with pre-existing conditions, are at greater risk of  Covid-19.

You may be at increased risk from coronavirus if you:

- are 70 or older

- are pregnant

- have a condition that may increase your risk from coronavirus

Conditions that may increase your risk:

- lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis

- heart disease, such as heart failure

-chronic kidney disease

- liver disease, such as hepatitis

- conditions affecting the brain and nerves, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy

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