The time it takes to recover from COVID-19 varies widely depending on the severity of the illness, individual health factors, and the variant involved.

• For mild to moderate cases, most people recover within about 5 to 14 days, with symptoms typically improving by around one to two weeks

• Severe or critical cases can take much longer, often requiring 3 to 6 weeks or more to recover fully, especially if hospitalization or complications occur

• Some individuals experience symptoms lasting beyond the acute infection phase, known as long COVID or post-COVID condition. This can persist for weeks, months, or even longer, with symptoms gradually improving over 4 to 9 months in many cases, though about 15% of people may still have symptoms at 12 months

• Recovery time can be influenced by factors such as age, underlying health conditions, vaccination status, and immune system strength

In summary, while many people feel better within 1 to 2 weeks, full recovery can take several weeks or months, especially for severe cases or those experiencing long COVID. Rest, hydration, and supportive care help speed recovery, but some symptoms like fatigue and cough may linger for extended periods