Quick read: Recovering from COVID
The time it takes to recover from COVID-19 can vary from person to person.
Generally, most people with mild symptoms will recover in a few days — particularly if they’re fully vaccinated.
What you need to know
Those with mild symptoms are usually considered to be recovered after 7 days, if their symptoms have stopped. However, you may still feel the effects of your illness for a few more days.
Prioritise sleep — we heal and recover best when we get good, restful sleep.
Don’t take on too much — try to arrange support people to do things like getting groceries, child minding and getting the kids to sports activities. Work from home if you can, to avoid the tiring commute.
Keep hydrated — basic but important, particularly in colder weather when you might not feel thirsty.
Eat healthily — even if you still can’t smell or taste your food, think about healthy food as the fuel your body needs to recover.
Exercise is an important part of recovering from COVID-19. Most people with mild symptoms can begin with light activity, such as walking, once they feel well enough. If you’ve had moderate symptoms, speak with your doctor before exercising again. If you have chest pain or palpitations for more than 10 minutes, contact a doctor immediately.
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