How long do people have COVID for?

The acute phase includes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, aches, tiredness and changes in taste or smell. Symptoms often improve at different speeds, so feeling tired after the fever settles does not necessarily mean the infection is still active. A positive test and contagiousness do not always follow the same timetable. If symptoms continue, return, or interfere with daily life after the initial illness, a clinician can assess for Long COVID and other causes.

Rest, drink enough to keep your urine pale, and increase activity in small steps as your energy allows. Avoid pushing through a marked setback. Follow the testing service's advice about staying away from others and returning to work or study. Keep a simple record of fever, breathing, energy and new symptoms; this helps a clinician see whether you are improving or fluctuating. People with long-term conditions should ask for individual advice.

Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, chest pressure, new confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or inability to stay awake. Contact a clinician promptly if breathing is worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, fever returns after improvement, or weakness prevents basic activities. Ongoing fatigue, joint pain, low mood, difficulty concentrating, or changes in taste and smell warrant review when they persist or are disruptive.

Am I recovering as expected from the pattern of my symptoms? When can I safely resume exercise and normal activities? Could my ongoing symptoms have another cause? What warning signs should lead me to urgent care?