How Long Does COVID-19 Last? What To Expect if You Contract the Virus

A mild case of COVID-19 usually resolves in one to two weeks. It may take up to six weeks or more to recover from a severe case. Some people may experience lasting symptoms, called long-COVID, which may include damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs.

Every case is different, but research has given experts a good idea of how long COVID-19 lasts. Read on to learn about COVID-19 symptoms, when they likely strike, and how long it takes to recover fully and safely emerge from self-isolation.

How Long Does It Take To Recover?

The COVID-19 recovery period depends on the severity of the illness.

You can expect to recover within 10 days to two weeks if you have mild COVID-19 symptoms. It may take months to feel better for more severe cases. Some people with severe symptoms may require hospitalization.

Older adults and people with severe underlying health conditions, like diabetes or heart or lung disease, may be at risk for severe COVID-19 complications.

COVID-19 complications include:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): This life-threatening lung injury happens when fluid collects in your lungs, preventing your organs from getting enough oxygen. ARDS causes difficulty breathing.
• Lung abscess: A lung infection that causes the death of cells and tissues.
• Pneumonia: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may cause viral pneumonia, or lead to a bacterial lung infection.

Some people may develop long-COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, chronic COVID, and several other similar names. People with long-COVID can have new, ongoing, or recurring symptoms for four weeks or longer after infection and recovery.

Long-COVID may result in a wide range of health concerns, including:

• Anxiety or depression
• Brain fog, or difficulty thinking
• Changes in your menstrual cycle
• Changes in your smell and taste
• Chest pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Joint or muscle pain
• Lightheadedness
• Trouble sleeping

Of note: Consult a healthcare provider to make sure your symptoms do not indicate other health concerns if you develop long-COVID.

Common Symptoms 

COVID-19 symptoms manifest in a variety of ways. 

Some of the most common COVID-19 symptoms include:

• A new loss of taste and smell
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting)
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Trouble breathing

The COVID-19 incubation period, or the time from exposure to symptom onset, lasts anywhere from two to 14 days. The incubation period may depend on the SARS-CoV-2 variant. Research has found that the Omicron variant has a shorter incubation period than Delta and other variants.

On average, some evidence suggests that it takes just over six days for COVID-19 symptoms to appear. Of note: COVID-19 can spread during the incubation period, so self-isolating is essential if exposed to the virus

Many cases of COVID-19 are mild or asymptomatic. A study published in 2021 found that, out of 29,776,306 people worldwide, 0.25% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 were asymptomatic. In other words, not everyone who gets COVID-19 has symptoms.

How Long Will You Test Positive?

You may be contagious if you feel better but test positive within 10 days after your symptoms start. In that case, continue wearing a high-quality mask. Wait 48 hours, then take another test. The CDC advises wearing a high-quality mask if you do not take another test within 10 days.

You may end your isolation after five days if you had mild COVID-19 symptoms that are improving and are fever-free for 24 hours without a fever-reducing medicine.

Research has found that tests often do not detect the live virus after nine days. Still, some tests may detect SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens for up to three months after you fully recover.

You are usually not infectious, even though the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be present in your upper airways. The viral particles in your system are dead or weakened and unable to replicate. 

In contrast, people with severe COVID-19 symptoms or weak immune systems may need more time for the virus to clear. The CDC advises consulting a healthcare provider before ending your isolation.

When Is It Safe To Be Around Others?

You can be around others safely after a five-day isolation if your symptoms improve and you are fever-free for 24 hours without a fever-reducing medicine.

The CDC advises wearing a high-quality mask around others if exposed to COVID-19, regardless of whether you are vaccinated. The CDC suggests getting tested five full days after exposure. You do not need to receive another test if you have tested positive in the last 90 days and come into contact with the virus unless you show symptoms.

If you test negative, continue wearing a high-quality mask for 10 days after exposure. If you test positive, begin a five-day isolation right away.

"Practice physical distancing, wear a mask, and wash hands regularly. These are the best practices," Jorge Vournas, MD, medical director at Abbracci Med Spa, told Health. "There is no good reason not to be too careful. In addition to the common recommendations, be careful with who you interact with, especially high-risk elderly and those with comorbid conditions."

As of May 2023, the CDC advises isolating for at least five full days if you test positive. Stay at home and separate from others. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others inside your home or in public during isolation. Do not travel during your isolation period.

When To Call a Healthcare Provider

Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, think you may develop a worsening illness, or have a high risk of developing severe COVID-19. They can prescribe an antiviral, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir). Paxlovid helps prevent severe symptoms if taken within five days of symptom onset.

People who have a high risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms include people who:

• Are not vaccinated against COVID-19
• Are older than 50
• Are pregnant
• Have a weak immune system
• Have underlying health conditions (e.g., asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity)
• Smoke

Call a healthcare provider before your visit to tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms. Let them know whether you have other health conditions or take medications. Wear a high-quality mask if you see a healthcare provider in person.

Seek medical attention right away if you or someone near you develops symptoms like:

• Blue face or lips
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to wake up
• Severe chest pain or pressure

A Quick Review

Mild COVID-19 symptoms usually subside within 10 days to two weeks. You can end your isolation period after 10 days if you feel better and are fever-free for 24 hours without a fever-reducing medicine.

In contrast, it may take months to feel better for more severe cases. Some people develop long-COVID, or persistent symptoms lasting four weeks or longer after recovery. Still, people usually are not contagious after nine days.

Consult a healthcare provider if you develop COVID-19 symptoms and have a high risk of severe illness. They may prescribe an antiviral medicine, which helps alleviate symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone near you has blue lips or face, severe chest pain, or trouble breathing.

The information in this story is accurate as of press time. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.