The novel coronavirus, or Covid-19, has been a major cause of concern for many people around the world. But how long can the virus linger in your body? The answer to this question depends on the severity of the infection. Generally, virus levels in the body peak three to six days after the initial infection, and the immune system is able to clear the pathogen within 10 days. After this period, the virus that is shed is usually not infectious.
People with mild cases of Covid-19 usually recover within a week or two. For more severe cases, however, recovery may take up to six weeks or more, and there may be long-term symptoms with or without damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain. According to MedlinePlus, the recovery period from Covid-19 depends on the severity of the illness. If you have a mild case, you can expect to recover in about two weeks.
However, for more severe cases, it may take months to feel better and hospitalization may be required.