How long does COVID-19 last?

Many people feel significantly better within one to two weeks. A cough or tiredness can linger longer. If symptoms are not improving after about four weeks, or new problems appear, it is worth speaking to a GP — this may be long COVID.

What are the main symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, cough, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and a high temperature. Some people also have loss of smell or taste, though this is less common with newer variants. Symptoms can be mild or feel similar to a cold or flu.

Do I need to stay at home with COVID-19?

If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to work or carry out normal activities, staying at home helps you recover and reduces spread to others. There is no longer a legal requirement to isolate in the UK, but avoiding close contact with vulnerable people while you are infectious is sensible.

Will antibiotics help COVID-19?

No. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat it. Some people at higher risk may be offered antiviral medicines — a GP or NHS service can advise if you qualify.

How can I protect others in my household?

Let fresh air in, wash hands regularly, catch coughs and sneezes in tissues, and avoid close contact where possible while you are most infectious — usually the first few days of symptoms. Vulnerable household members may need extra precautions.

COVID-19 | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is covid-19?

COVID-19 is a contagious illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Most healthy adults recover within a few weeks with rest and fluids, but it can still cause serious illness in some people. Stay at home while you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out normal activities, and seek urgent help for severe breathlessness or chest pain.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It spread worldwide from 2020 and remains a common cause of respiratory infection in the UK. Most people recover fully, but it can cause serious illness — especially in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain long-term health conditions.

Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person and can change with different variants. Common symptoms include:

sore throat
blocked or runny nose
cough
tiredness and muscle aches
headache
a high temperature or chills
feeling sick or diarrhoea (less common)

Some people have very mild symptoms or none at all but can still pass the virus on. Symptoms usually appear within a few days of contact with an infected person.

How it spreads

COVID-19 spreads mainly through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through close contact and by touching contaminated surfaces, though this is less common. You are most infectious in the first few days of symptoms.

Good ventilation, hand hygiene and staying away from others when unwell all help reduce spread.

Recovering at home

Most people manage COVID-19 at home with:

Rest — your body needs time to fight the infection.
Fluids — drink regularly, especially if you have a temperature.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen — for aches and fever, if suitable for you (a pharmacist can advise).
Monitoring — notice if breathlessness or other symptoms are worsening.

There is no routine cure for COVID-19 in otherwise healthy people, but antiviral treatment may be offered to some at higher risk — check NHS guidance or speak to a GP if you are unsure whether you qualify.

Vaccination and prevention

COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital admission. Eligibility changes over time — check current NHS advice for who is offered boosters. Vaccination is especially important for older adults and people with health conditions that increase risk.

When symptoms do not settle

If you still feel unwell after four weeks, or develop new problems such as ongoing breathlessness, brain fog or extreme tiredness, you may have long COVID. This affects a minority of people after the initial infection and is worth discussing with a GP.

Protecting vulnerable people

If you live with or care for someone at higher risk, take extra care while you are infectious: improve ventilation, consider wearing a face covering in shared spaces if practical, and avoid close contact where possible until you feel better.

Common questions

How long does COVID-19 last?: Many people feel significantly better within one to two weeks. A cough or tiredness can linger longer. If symptoms are not improving after about four weeks, or new problems appear, it is worth speaking to a GP — this may be long COVID.
What are the main symptoms of COVID-19?: Common symptoms include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, cough, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and a high temperature. Some people also have loss of smell or taste, though this is less common with newer variants. Symptoms can be mild or feel similar to a cold or flu.
Do I need to stay at home with COVID-19?: If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to work or carry out normal activities, staying at home helps you recover and reduces spread to others. There is no longer a legal requirement to isolate in the UK, but avoiding close contact with vulnerable people while you are infectious is sensible.
Will antibiotics help COVID-19?: No. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat it. Some people at higher risk may be offered antiviral medicines — a GP or NHS service can advise if you qualify.
How can I protect others in my household?: Let fresh air in, wash hands regularly, catch coughs and sneezes in tissues, and avoid close contact where possible while you are most infectious — usually the first few days of symptoms. Vulnerable household members may need extra precautions.

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