Coronavirus symptoms typically appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the median incubation period — the time between infection and the onset of symptoms — is 5 days.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe.
The duration of coronavirus symptoms also varies, depending on the severity of the illness. For most people with mild symptoms, they typically resolve within a few weeks. In some cases, however, symptoms may persist for several months or even longer.
How Long Do Coronavirus Symptoms Last?
Symptoms vary, lasting days to months.
- Mild cases: 1-2 weeks
- Moderate cases: 2-3 weeks
- Severe cases: 4+ weeks
- Long COVID: Months or longer
- Common symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath
- Less common symptoms: Fatigue, muscle aches, headache
- Rare symptoms: Loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting
- Children: Often milder symptoms
If you experience symptoms, isolate and seek medical attention.
Mild cases: 1-2 weeks
For people with mild cases of COVID-19, symptoms typically resolve within 1-2 weeks. This means that most people who get COVID-19 will experience symptoms for a relatively short period of time.
Common symptoms of mild COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
It is important to note that even people with mild cases of COVID-19 can spread the virus to others. Therefore, it is important to isolate yourself from others and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you have mild symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay home and rest. You should also drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
While most people with mild COVID-19 recover within 1-2 weeks, some people may experience lingering symptoms for several weeks or even months. This is known as long COVID.
Moderate cases: 2-3 weeks
Moderate cases of COVID-19 are more severe than mild cases, but they are not as severe as severe cases. People with moderate cases of COVID-19 may experience symptoms for 2-3 weeks, and they may require hospitalization.
- Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs is a common complication of moderate COVID-19. Pneumonia can cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and a cough.
- Low blood oxygen levels: COVID-19 can cause low blood oxygen levels, which can lead to shortness of breath and other complications. Low blood oxygen levels may require supplemental oxygen therapy.
- Dehydration: People with moderate COVID-19 may experience dehydration due to fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
- Confusion or delirium: Some people with moderate COVID-19 may experience confusion or delirium, especially if they are elderly or have underlying health conditions.
People with moderate COVID-19 may also experience other symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Severe cases: 4+ weeks
Severe cases of COVID-19 are life-threatening and require hospitalization. People with severe COVID-19 may experience symptoms for 4+ weeks, and they may require intensive care. Some people with severe COVID-19 may die from the virus.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a life-threatening condition in which the lungs are severely inflamed and filled with fluid. ARDS can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the body's response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
- Multi-organ failure: COVID-19 can cause multi-organ failure, in which two or more organs fail to function properly. Multi-organ failure can be fatal.
- Death: COVID-19 can be fatal, especially for people with underlying health conditions. The risk of death is highest for people who are elderly, obese, or have chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
People with severe COVID-19 may also experience other symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Long COVID: Months or longer
Long COVID is a condition in which people experience symptoms of COVID-19 for months or even longer after the initial infection. The most common symptoms of long COVID include fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. Other symptoms of long COVID can include:
- Brain fog
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Skin rashes
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Gastrointestinal problems
Long COVID can affect people of all ages, even those who had mild cases of COVID-19. It is not yet known what causes long COVID, but it is thought to be related to the body's immune response to the virus.
There is no cure for long COVID, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments may include medication, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
If you think you may have long COVID, it is important to see a doctor. A doctor can help to diagnose long COVID and recommend treatments to help you manage your symptoms.
Long COVID can be a debilitating condition, but there is hope for recovery. With the right treatment and support, people with long COVID can improve their quality of life.
Common symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are three of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can last for several weeks.
- Fever: A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Fever is a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. Fever can cause sweating, chills, and muscle aches.
- Cough: A cough is a reflex that helps to clear the throat and lungs of mucus, dust, or other irritants. Coughing is a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. A COVID-19 cough is typically dry and hacking.
- Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is a feeling of not being able to get enough air. Shortness of breath can be caused by many things, including COVID-19. COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath even in people who are not very active.
If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, it is important to see a doctor right away. These symptoms can be a sign of COVID-19 or another serious illness.
Less common symptoms: Fatigue, muscle aches, headache
Fatigue, muscle aches, and headache are less common symptoms of COVID-19, but they can still be a sign of the virus. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can last for several weeks.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness or lack of energy. Fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 fatigue can be so severe that it makes it difficult to do everyday activities.
- Muscle aches: Muscle aches are pains or discomfort in the muscles. Muscle aches are a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 muscle aches can be mild or severe, and they can affect any muscle in the body.
- Headache: A headache is pain in the head. Headaches are a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 headaches can be mild or severe, and they can last for several days.
If you have fatigue, muscle aches, or headache, it is important to see a doctor. These symptoms can be a sign of COVID-19 or another serious illness.
Rare symptoms: Loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting
Loss of taste or smell, nausea, and vomiting are rare symptoms of COVID-19, but they can still be a sign of the virus. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can last for several weeks.
Loss of taste or smell: Loss of taste or smell is a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 can cause a complete loss of taste or smell, or it can cause a change in the way things taste or smell. For example, some people with COVID-19 report that food tastes or smells like metal or cardboard.
Nausea: Nausea is a feeling of queasiness or an upset stomach. Nausea is a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 nausea can be mild or severe, and it can last for several days.
Vomiting: Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Vomiting is a common symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 vomiting can be mild or severe, and it can last for several days.
If you have loss of taste or smell, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor. These symptoms can be a sign of COVID-19 or another serious illness.
Children: Often milder symptoms
Children are less likely than adults to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19. In fact, many children who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Children with COVID-19 typically recover within a few weeks. However, some children may experience long-term symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are known as long COVID.
It is important to note that even though children are less likely to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19, they can still spread the virus to others. Therefore, it is important for children to follow the same public health guidelines as adults, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing their hands frequently.
If your child has any symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how long coronavirus symptoms last:
Question 1: How long do coronavirus symptoms typically last?
Answer 1: The most common symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, typically last for 2-3 weeks. However, some people may experience symptoms for a shorter or longer period of time.
Question 2: What are some of the less common symptoms of COVID-19?
Answer 2: Less common symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Question 3: How long do mild cases of COVID-19 typically last?
Answer 3: Mild cases of COVID-19 typically last for 1-2 weeks. However, some people may experience symptoms for a shorter or longer period of time.
Question 4: How long do moderate cases of COVID-19 typically last?
Answer 4: Moderate cases of COVID-19 typically last for 2-3 weeks. However, some people may experience symptoms for a shorter or longer period of time.
Question 5: How long do severe cases of COVID-19 typically last?
Answer 5: Severe cases of COVID-19 can last for 4 weeks or longer. Some people with severe cases of COVID-19 may require hospitalization or even intensive care.
Question 6: How long do children typically experience symptoms of COVID-19?
Answer 6: Children are less likely than adults to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19. Most children who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Children with COVID-19 typically recover within a few weeks.
Question 7: How can I prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Answer 7: You can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following public health guidelines, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands frequently.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, please talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
For more information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Tips
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
Tip 1: Wear a mask: Wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Make sure your mask fits snugly over your nose and mouth and that there are no gaps.
Tip 2: Social distance: Social distancing means staying at least 6 feet away from other people. This is important because it reduces the risk of inhaling respiratory droplets that may contain the virus.
Tip 3: Wash your hands frequently: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Tip 4: Get vaccinated: Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself from the virus. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it can help to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Remember, the pandemic is not over yet, so it is important to continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, please talk to your doctor or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Conclusion
The duration of coronavirus symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the illness. Mild cases typically last for 1-2 weeks, moderate cases for 2-3 weeks, and severe cases for 4 weeks or longer. Some people may also experience long COVID, which is a condition in which symptoms of COVID-19 persist for months or even longer.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Children are less likely than adults to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19.
There is no cure for COVID-19, but there are treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications. The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and follow public health guidelines, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands frequently.
Closing Message:
The COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet, but there is hope. By following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated, we can help to protect ourselves and others from the virus. Together, we can end this pandemic.