COVID-19 symptoms (if you have them) typically start 2-14 days after infection and clear up within a few days or weeks. The severity and length of illness varies from person to person, and there's no certainty about how long COVID-19 stays in your body.
Possible symptoms include: Fever or chills. Cough. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Sore throat. Congestion or runny nose. New loss of taste or smell. Fatigue. Muscle or body aches.
If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home. Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. If you can't quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
At-home COVID tests should work against new COVID variants. "The antigen that the at-home tests look for has remained fairly stable even as the virus mutates and new strains of COVID develop," explains Dr.
Some tests, especially NAAT tests, may continue to show a positive result for up to 90 days. Reinfections can occur within 90 days, which can make it hard to know if a positive test indicates a new infection. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your circumstances.
While people become less contagious over time, they are still contagious with COVID for an average of eight days. That may vary depending on factors including underlying health conditions and the severity of illness.
If You Are Sick With COVID If a test confirms you are COVID-positive, contact your doctor. There are some outpatient treatments that may be available to you.
Contacts of infectious COVID-19 case patients who are not healthcare workers should remain at home in quarantine for 14 days following the last date of contact and isolate themselves in the home.
Taking Care of Yourself at Home Contact your healthcare provider. Tell them you tested positive for COVID-19 and are home recovering. Take it easy. Rest up and stay hydrated. Monitor your symptoms. Report worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.