Coronavirus, or COVID 19, is the biggest thing in the news today. Because COVID 19 hit us so quickly, we were largely unprepared for a response. Despite the fact that we have seen similar coronavirus we do not have any treatment dedicated specifically to eliminating the virus. We are here today to answer some of your questions about COVID, starting with how long does COVID 19 last in the body.

HOW LONG DOES COVID 19 LAST IN THE BODY?

According to The Sun, after being exposed to the virus through any method, it can take between two to 14 days for the first symptoms to appear. In some rare cases it takes up to 24 days for symptoms to start showing. This depends on a lot of factors.

After that initial period, how long the virus remains active depends on a person’s immune system, age, and the care they receive. At the same time, there are still many things that we don’t know about the virus. For example, up until recently, we thought that those who were most affected medically by COVID were those who were over 60. The New York Times published last week that almost 40% of patients in the United States who were hospitalized with Coronavirus were between 20 and 54. 

In a patient who is healthy, the World Health Organization says that it can take about two weeks for a mild case to recover from COVID. Those who are not healthy or have a severe case of the disease could have up to a six week recovery time if they do not pass away.

A body of someone who contracted COVID and passed away is thought to relatively safe to be around. After death a person is no longer breathing so the lungs can no longer spread COVID unless CPR is being performed. India Today also mentions that as long as precaution methods are followed, viewing of bodies can be allowed.

India Today, in the same article, mentions something that is echoed around the world: We do not know enough about the virus at this time to know exactly how long it lasts in a dead body. The best method for disposing of remains is thought to be cremation. This is because after being cremated the ashes pose no risk of spreading the disease.

OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS

To help get a better understanding of COVID 19 we have included the answers to some of the other common questions about COVID 19. 

WHAT ARE OTHER SYMPTOMS OF COVID?

According to the CDC and WHO the common symptoms of COVID include:

• Fever
• Shortness of Breath
• Dry Cough

Other symptoms may include:

• Chest Pain or Pressure
• Confusion
• Nasal Congestion
• Sore Throat
• Diarrhea

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE COIVD 19?

The CDC currently says people who think they have been exposed to COVID but are not experiencing symptoms should self-quarantine for 14 days. If you start noticing the symptoms above you should call your primary care doctor. However, if you notice severe symptoms you should contact Emergency Services or go to the hospital.

If you go to the hospital make sure to wear a mask and notify them of your symptoms upon entering so proper precautions can be taken for everyone’s safety.

HOW TO TEST FOR COVID 19

Currently, the CDC and other organizations are using molecular tests from lab samples to determine for sure whether someone has COVID 19 or not. Often times this is done with a nasal swab, similar to that of the flu.

Most hospitals and some other facilities are using the symptoms to make initial decisions as to whether to isolate patients for everyone’s safety. This is why you may have seen videos on the news of hospitals taking temperatures upon entry.

It is important to know that there are constantly new pieces of information on the details of COVID 19. In addition, there is a lot of misinformation on the internet. Most of the information here has come from the US Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and major newspapers. Some of the information has also been gathered from local hospitals.

Baloydi Lloydi

Baloydi Lloydi is the content manager of Asknoypi.