When we hear about COVID, it still makes us a little scared, doesn't it? By now, many people have probably recovered from the disease. But you probably have a lot of questions about how your body feels when you get COVID, how long it will take to recover, and what you need to do until you recover. Okay, so let's find out more about that today.
Most people who get COVID have a mild, or what we call `mild`, condition. `Mild` means it's a little tough on the body. But the best part is, you can rest at home and fully recover without going to the hospital. Let's take a look at what to expect during this time, and how to take care of yourself.
How long does Covid last in the body?
COVID-19 can last from a few days to a few weeks. In other words, when your symptoms go away, it usually means the virus has left your body. However, some people can develop a condition called "long COVID." This means that symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years after they recover from COVID.
What if someone who has been vaccinated gets COVID?
As you know, the COVID vaccine is designed to provide protection against infection. But it's possible to get COVID even if you've been fully vaccinated. We call this a "breakthrough case." If you do, your symptoms may be much less severe, or you may not have any symptoms at all.
There is no significant difference in the duration of illness whether you get the vaccine or not. However, if you get the vaccine, you are much more likely to recover quickly and have less severe symptoms .
How long does the virus stay in the body?
It's hard to give a definitive answer to this. But the COVID virus can stay in the body longer than a common cold or influenza virus. It usually takes about a month for a person to shed the virus. Some people can test positive for the virus for up to three months after their symptoms have disappeared.
What are the chances of recovery if you get COVID?
Researchers continue to collect data on this. But they only have data on confirmed cases. That means they can't count people who haven't been tested for COVID. So they don't have information about the final outcome of every infection.
But on average, more than 98% of confirmed COVID patients survive. But a person's risk of death varies depending on their age, whether they have other chronic diseases, and whether they have been vaccinated.
The most important thing is that getting vaccinated can greatly reduce the severity of the disease and the risk of death.
How long do Covid symptoms last?
Not everyone who gets COVID will have symptoms. If you do, they can appear between 2 and 14 days after being infected. And these symptoms vary from person to person.
The table below lists some of the most common symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever or chills | In an adult, a fever can be higher than 100.4 F (38 C). |
| Cough | It can be a dry cough without phlegm or a cough with phlegm. |
| Fatigue | Feeling so tired that you can't do anything. |
| Sore throat | Sore throat, change in voice. |
| Headache and body aches | Severe headache and muscle and joint pain. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, feeling of chest tightness. |
| Loss of smell and taste | Suddenly losing the ability to smell, smell, or taste anything. |
| Vomiting or diarrhea | Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. |
If you have these symptoms, it is very important to stay home and stay away from others to stop spreading the virus to others. You can resume normal activities after your symptoms improve and you have been fever-free for 24 hours.
Recovery Time
Early research suggests that it can take as little as two weeks to recover from a mild case, and up to six weeks to recover from a severe case. However, this varies depending on your age and overall health. The most common symptoms are fatigue, headache, and shortness of breath .
If you are sick, it is important to isolate yourself at home until all of the following are met:
- You don't have a fever until you've gone 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine.
- Your symptoms are not completely gone, but they are getting better now.
- It has been at least 5 days since your symptoms started.
Even if you end your isolation, take care of these things until at least the 11th day:
- Avoid close contact with people who are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract COVID (the elderly, those with chronic illnesses).
- Wear a good quality face mask when around other people, whether at home or in public places.
- Avoid going to places where you cannot wear a mask.
How do you know you're getting better?
Simply put, you will know you are getting better when your symptoms gradually decrease or disappear completely.
Imagine that you have had a fever for a few days, and now the fever is gone without taking medicine, that is a sign of recovery. Also, if you no longer have body aches, sore throat, or headaches, you can assume that your COVID infection is almost over. Gradually, your strength will start to return.
How can you recover if the illness becomes severe?
A small percentage of people who get COVID will need to be hospitalized for breathing problems. This depends on your age and overall health. You may need to stay in the hospital for two weeks or more.
Some people who become seriously ill can develop a complication called Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) , which damages your lungs and makes it very difficult to breathe.
If you become seriously ill, you may be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) . Many patients who spend time in the ICU lose weight and strength. Your medical team will help you manage these symptoms, including exercises to help you rebuild your strength.
What is "Long COVID"?
This is a collection of symptoms that persist after COVID-19 has passed. These can affect your quality of life. You may experience symptoms like:
- Slight headache
- Lifeless body
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating on something
- Difficulty breathing even with mild exertion
If you have these `long COVID` symptoms, or if new symptoms appear a few days after you recover, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
What can you do to get well soon?
There is no specific cure for COVID. But if you have to go to the hospital, there are some medications that can help you recover faster. When you are at home, there are some things you can do to help you recover faster. These are just like the things we do when we have a cold.
Eat healthy.
If you have an appetite, eat a healthy diet that contains the vitamins and nutrients you need to heal. Limit sugary, processed foods like sodas and cookies. If you have an appetite, don't force yourself to eat.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Even if you can't eat, this is something you should definitely do. Water is the best. Also, things like oranges, porridge, and soup are very good.
Reduce fever
If you have a fever or body ache, take a medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as prescribed by your doctor. But always use only the recommended dosage.
Have a good rest.
This is the most important thing. Give your body the time and rest it needs to heal. Remember, you will get better in a few days. But if your symptoms become severe (for example, you have severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain) , see a doctor immediately or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
What to do for Covid cough?
Coughing, especially persistent coughing after recovery, is a common symptom of COVID. While there is no specific cure for this, you can find relief with these things:
- Drink warm liquids (tea, soup) in small amounts.
- Avoid smoking and strong odors.
- Try to breathe through your nose.
Take-Home Message
- COVID symptoms and recovery time vary from person to person. It can usually last from a few days to a few weeks.
- Drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough rest will go a long way toward speeding up your recovery.
- Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the disease from getting worse and complications from developing.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing and chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- If symptoms persist after recovery (long COVID), talk to your doctor.
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