how long do covid symptoms usually last

COVID-19 symptoms usually last about 1 to 2 weeks for most people with mild to moderate illness. Mild cases typically resolve within approximately two weeks, while symptoms in severe cases can last up to 6 weeks or longer. In some cases, symptoms can persist beyond 12 weeks, a condition referred to as long COVID or post-COVID syndrome. Vaccinated individuals tend to have milder symptoms and may recover somewhat faster. The timing of symptom onset is generally 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, with common symptoms including fever, chills, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. For people with mild to moderate COVID-19 today, the illness often lasts about 7 to 10 days. However, recovery times and symptom duration can vary widely depending on individual health, severity of illness, and vaccination status.