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How COVID-19 Spreads
Updated May 7, 2021
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COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.
Types of Spread
COVID-19 is spread in three main ways
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Protect yourself and others from all ways COVID-19 spreads by taking these prevention actions:
Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.
How COVID-19 Spreads
Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.
COVID-19 and animals
COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. Pet cats and dogs can sometimes become infected after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.
Reinfection
Cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported, but remain rare?.? CDC is actively working to learn more about reinfection to inform public health action.
More Information
Last Updated May 7, 2021
Updated May 7, 2021
Languages
image iconCOVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.
Types of Spread
COVID-19 is spread in three main ways
- Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
- Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
- Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Protect yourself and others from all ways COVID-19 spreads by taking these prevention actions:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
- Stay 6 feet apart from others who don?t live with you.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren?t available.
Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.
How COVID-19 Spreads
Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.
| Breathing in air with small droplets or particles that contain the virus when people are less than 6 feet apart | Common |
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| Breathing in air with small droplets or particles that contain the virus when people are far apart or have been in the same enclosed space for more than a few minutes | Uncommon |
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| By having small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially from coughs and sneezes that create sprays and splashes | Common |
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| Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them | Uncommon |
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COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. Pet cats and dogs can sometimes become infected after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.
Reinfection
Cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported, but remain rare?.? CDC is actively working to learn more about reinfection to inform public health action.
More Information
- Scientific Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Potential Airborne Transmission
- ASL Video Series: How does COVID-19 Spread?
Last Updated May 7, 2021
