Unpacking the Mystery: How Long Do COVID Symptoms Last?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most significant health crisis that the world has faced in recent history. With numerous vaccines rolling out, there is still a lot of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the virus, including how long its symptoms last.
While some people may have mild or no symptoms after contracting the virus, others may experience severe symptoms that last for several weeks or even months. In this article, we will explore the timelines for various COVID-19 symptoms and what research has to say about them.
Symptoms and Their Timelines
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Some other symptoms that people may experience include fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and congestion.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the onset of symptoms usually occurs around 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. A person who has been infected with the virus may experience symptoms that last for two to three weeks.
The severity of symptoms can vary widely, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, several studies have shown that some patients suffer from long-term symptoms or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
PASC, also known as “long COVID,” is a lingering health problem that affects people even after they have recovered from the initial bout of COVID-19. According to a recent study, over 80% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 still had symptoms after 6 months. The symptoms included fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, headaches, and mood disorders.
The study also showed that people who had mild cases of COVID-19 were more likely to develop long-term symptoms. However, researchers are still unsure about the cause of long COVID.
Cases of Long-Term Symptoms
Even individuals with asymptomatic or mild cases of COVID-19 may have long-term symptoms that can last for months. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others suffer for months, unable to do simple tasks like walking up the stairs or carrying groceries.
A recent article from Harvard Health showed that some people reported suffering from symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, mental fog, and muscle weakness for months after their initial diagnosis. These symptoms affected people’s quality of life and performance at work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, COVID-19 is a complex virus with a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity and longevity. While some people recover from the virus without any adverse effects, others continue to struggle with symptoms for months.
As new strains of the virus emerge and vaccination rates remain low in some areas, it’s essential to continue to take all the necessary precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, it’s essential to seek medical attention and follow the guidelines provided by healthcare professionals. Remember that while the pandemic may seem never-ending, there is hope for a brighter future if we all work together to make it through.
