how long does it take the coronavirus to run its course

by Ms. Anne McDermott 7 min read

Common question

How long before symptoms start can one spread COVID-19?

Researchers estimate that people who get infected with the coronavirus can spread it to others 2 to 3 days before symptoms start and are most contagious 1 to 2 days before they feel sick.
Feb 3, 2022

How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?

Fortunately, people who have mild to moderate symptoms typically recover in a few days or weeks.

How long do COVID-19 symptoms last?

Acute COVID-19. Active illness can last one to two weeks if you have mild or moderate coronavirus disease, but severe cases can last months. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning they never have symptoms but do have COVID-19.

How long before showing symptoms can you be contagious with COVID-19?

"A person with COVID-19 is considered infectious starting two days before they develop symptoms, or two days before the date of their positive test if they do not have symptoms," according to the CDC.

How can I speed up the healing time of the COVID-19?

Some of the things you can do to speed your healing are similar to how you might take care of the flu or a bad cold. Eat healthy foods. If you feel like eating, fuel your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to get better. Limit sugary or highly processed foods like cookies and sodas.

Can I recover at home if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you are sick:Keep track of your symptoms.If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), call 911.

Can COVID-19 symptoms get worse as it goes along?

COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.

Can pre-symptomatic transmission occur with the coronavirus disease?

See full answerIn a small number of case reports and studies, pre-symptomatic transmission has been documented through contact tracing efforts and enhanced investigation of clusters of confirmed cases. This is supported by data suggesting that some people can test positive for COVID-19 from 1-3 days before they develop symptoms. Thus, it is possible that people infected with COVID-19 could transmit the virus before significant symptoms develop. It is important to recognize that pre-symptomatic transmission still requires the virus to be spread via infectious droplets or through touching contaminated surfaces.

What should I do if I've been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 if my vaccine is not up-to-date?

Stay home and quarantine for at least 5 full days. Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home. Do not travel. Even if you don't develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.

What are the best foods to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes (lentils, beans, etc.), nuts and whole grains (such as oats, wheat, brown rice, potatoes, and yams), and foods from animal sources (such as meat, fish, eggs, and milk).

What can I drink if I have COVID-19?

Water should be your No. 1 choice for drinking fluids. But you can have other drinks that contain water, such as lemon juice (diluted in water and unsweetened), tea, and coffee. Do not consume too much caffeine, and avoid sweetened fruit juices, syrups, fruit juice concentrates, and any drinks that contain sugar.

Is there a way to improve your immune response to COVID-19?

When it comes to improving your immune response, getting the COVID vaccine and booster shot, along with other recommended vaccinations, is best. Think of vaccination as a cheat sheet for your immune system. When a viral invader makes its way into your body, your immune system prepares to fight.