What Is the Average Recovery Time for COVID-19?

If you’ve received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you’re likely feeling pretty lousy. Fever, intense fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and congestion are some of the most common symptoms of this virus, and you probably want to know how long you’re going to have to deal with them. On average, COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms should begin to see improvement after two weeks. Those with more severe symptoms may feel unwell for up to six weeks. Of course, the recovery period can differ from person to person. COVID-19 is a new virus and scientists are still studying its effects to determine the average recovery time.

COVID-19 Treatment

There is currently no antiviral medication available for COVID-19, so treatment generally involves taking good care of yourself and taking medicines that can help to relieve some of your most miserable symptoms. Here’s what you should do:

• Get lots of rest – Your immune system is working overtime to protect your body from this virus, which is why you may be very fatigued. Let your body rest and recover as much as possible.
• Eat a healthy diet – Limit your intake of sugary and highly processed foods. Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet that will aid in your recovery.
• Stay hydrated – Your body needs plenty of fluid to help fight off the infection. Drink lots of water, tea, or sports drinks to stay hydrated.
• Take an over-the-counter medication – Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are great options to help bring down your fever or deal with the headache or body aches you’re experiencing.

It’s also crucial to isolate yourself as you’re recovering, especially from family members in your home. Stay away from public places (unless necessary for a medical appointment). You can end your isolation if it has been 10 days since symptom onset, you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication, and any other symptoms have improved.

What If I Don’t Have Any Symptoms?

Asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers are quite common, which is why many people who have been exposed to COVID-19 choose to get tested for the virus. If you have received a positive COVID-19 test but aren’t showing symptoms, it’s still important to fully isolate from the public and the people in your household. You can end your isolation after 10 days have passed since your positive test. Your health care provider may recommend getting tested again after that 10-day period, however.

COVID-19 Testing at PhysicianOne Urgent Care

PhysicianOne Urgent Care has facilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, and we conduct curbside COVID-19 testing for individuals showing symptoms as well as for those who are asymptomatic. Please request a Virtual Visit, during which one of our experienced providers will learn more about your symptoms (or your reasoning for wanting a COVID-19 test) to determine if testing is appropriate for you. If so, he or she will register you for a test, which can be conducted seven days per week at any of our locations.

To schedule a Virtual Visit with PhysicianOne Urgent Care, please click here.