What are the incubation periods for infections?

The incubation period is the time between catching an infection and symptoms appearing. Incubation periods vary, depending on the type of infection.

Infection incubation periods

The incubation periods for some infections are:

• chickenpox – 1-3 weeks
• flu – usually around 1-3 days
• whooping cough (pertussis) – between 6 and 20 days
• rotavirus – 2 days
• norovirus – 1-2 days

Infectious period

The infectious period isn't necessarily the same as the incubation period. With some viruses, such as chickenpox, the person may be infectious before symptoms start to show.

Read the answers to more questions about infections.

Further information

• How soon do STI symptoms appear?
• How long is someone infectious after a viral infection?
• How long will I be infectious after starting antibiotics?