COVID-19 virus can stay in the human body for varying durations depending on the individual's condition and severity of the illness. Typically, mild cases of COVID-19 last a few days to a few weeks, and most people stop shedding the virus about a month after infection. However, viral particles or fragments can persist for much longer periods in some individuals. New research indicates that pieces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can linger in the blood for up to 14 months and in tissues for more than two years after the initial infection, even if symptoms have resolved. This persistence is particularly noted in people with long COVID, where viral material remains in certain tissues, possibly contributing to prolonged symptoms. People with severe illness tend to shed the virus longer, up to around 20 days or more, whereas those with mild or moderate illness generally stop being infectious after about 10 days from symptom onset. In summary:
- Most people with mild COVID-19 recover and clear the virus within a few weeks.
- Viral shedding in most people lasts up to one month on average.
- Severe cases may shed virus for up to 20 days or longer.
- Viral fragments can remain in the body for many months to even years, potentially contributing to long COVID.
- Infectiousness generally declines significantly after 10 to 20 days depending on severity.
These findings reflect ongoing research and evolving understanding of COVID-19's long-term presence in the body and its implications for long COVID.
