The time between exposure to an infectious agent and the appearance of the first symptoms or signs of the resulting infection.
During the incubation period, the infectious agent may be multiplying or establishing itself in the body, but the person may not yet notice any symptoms. The length varies considerably depending on the infectious agent, the amount of exposure, the route of exposure, and characteristics of the person infected
QUICK FACT
A person may sometimes be capable of transmitting an infection during part or all of the incubation period, even before symptoms appear.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Latent period: the time between acquiring an infection and becoming capable of transmitting it. The two periods can overlap but are not necessarily the same.
SEE ALSO