From the Guidelines
The recovery time from COVID-19 typically ranges from 2 weeks for mild cases to 3-6 weeks for severe cases, and the recommended quarantine period is at least 10 days after symptom onset, as stated in the most recent and highest quality study 1. The recovery time and quarantine period for COVID-19 can vary depending on the severity of the illness.
- For mild cases, the median time for recovery from the onset of symptoms is approximately 2 weeks, as reported in a study published in the International Journal of Surgery 1.
- For severe cases, the recovery time can take 3-6 weeks or longer, according to the same study 1. In terms of quarantine, the guidelines suggest that patients with mild to moderate disease should self-isolate for 10 days following a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, while those with severe illness may need to self-isolate for 15-20 days, as recommended in a multidisciplinary consensus statement published in Anaesthesia 1. It's essential to note that the virus may still be transmissible even after symptoms improve, and the isolation and recovery periods differ because most virus transmission occurs early in the course of illness, typically in the 1-2 days before symptom onset and 2-3 days after, as mentioned in the study 1. The quarantine period has evolved throughout the pandemic, but current guidelines generally suggest isolating for at least 10 days after testing positive or developing symptoms, as stated in the study 1. If you had moderate illness or severe illness, or have a weakened immune system, you should isolate for at least 10 days, and in some cases, up to 15-20 days, as recommended in the study 1. The timeframes reflect the understanding that most virus transmission occurs early in the course of illness, and it's crucial to follow the guidelines to protect staff, other patients, and the public, as emphasized in the study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Recovery Time from COVID-19
- The recovery time from COVID-19 can vary depending on the severity of the disease. A study published in 2020 found that patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 were symptomatic for an average of 9.82 days 2.
- Another study published in 2021 found that patients with severe COVID-19 who received Remdesivir had a median time to recovery of 7 days, compared to 8 days for those who did not receive Remdesivir 3.
- A study published in 2024 found that Remdesivir significantly reduced mortality and increased the likelihood of discharge in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 requiring oxygen support 4.
Quarantine Duration for COVID-19
- The quarantine duration for COVID-19 is typically around 10-14 days, but can vary depending on the individual's symptoms and test results.
- A study published in 2020 found that it took an average of 16.81 days from the appearance of the first symptom until patients tested virus-negative in naso- and oropharyngeal swabs, blood, urine, and stool 2.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals with COVID-19 isolate themselves from others for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms, and until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time and Quarantine Duration
- The severity of the disease can affect the recovery time and quarantine duration. Patients with severe COVID-19 may require longer periods of hospitalization and quarantine 3, 4.
- The use of antiviral medications such as Remdesivir can also affect the recovery time and quarantine duration. Studies have shown that Remdesivir can reduce the time to recovery and improve clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 3, 4.
- Individual factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and immune status can also affect the recovery time and quarantine duration 5, 2.