How long does congestion from Covid take to go away?

If you have COVID-19 or think you might, you can expect the illness to go away on its own in about 10 to 14 days. Most people (about 80%) recover from COVID-19 without special treatment. But COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Older adults and people with other medical problems are more likely to get very sick.


How long does it take for congestion from COVID to go away?

Fever, intense fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and congestion are some of the most common symptoms of this virus, and you probably want to know how long you're going to have to deal with them. On average, COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms should begin to see improvement after two weeks.

Why do I still have congestion after COVID?

You may find that you are still coughing up phlegm or mucus after an infection with COVID-19 (coronavirus). This is normal after respiratory infections. It is how the lungs and airways keep themselves clear.


Should I take a decongestant if I have COVID-19?

If you are feeling congested and have COVID-19, you can take OTC cough and cold medications to treat your nasal congestion and stuffy nose. Decongestants with or without antihistamines are effective in helping reduce nasal congestion and are available primarily as combination products.

What is the best decongestant for COVID?

Best cough and cold medicines for COVID-19: DayQuil, NyQuil, Mucinex, Sudafed, or Theraflu?
  • DayQuil. DayQuil combination OTC products usually contain acetaminophen (for fever and pain), dextromethorphan (for coughing fits), and phenylephrine (for stuffy nose).
  • Mucinex. ...
  • NyQuil. ...
  • Sudafed. ...
  • Theraflu.


COVID-19 Lingering Symptoms: How Long Do Symptoms Last Even After Clearing The Virus?



How do you get rid of Covid congestion and cough?

Drink warm beverages, like tea or broth. These heat up the airways, keep you hydrated and break up any mucus you might have in your throat and upper airway. Try a teaspoon of honey in hot tea or hot water. A little bit of honey tends to soothe a sore throat.

Is mucinex OK to take with Covid?

Over-the-counter medications used for upper respiratory infections may help alleviate symptoms. Those medications include guaifenesin (Mucinex), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym).

What color is COVID mucus?

Green and cloudy: viral or bacterial infection

A lot of the symptoms of viral infections – fever, cough, headache, loss of smell – overlap for COVID-19 and other viral infections like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus and the common cold.


How long does a stuffy nose last?

After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you need an antibiotic. Some symptoms, especially runny or stuffy nose and cough, can last for up to 10 to 14 days. Those symptoms should improve over time.

What can I take for congestion and runny nose with Covid?

Stuffy or runny nose
  1. For a stuffy nose: The most common medications for stuffy noses are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine (Sudafed and Sudafed SE). ...
  2. For a runny nose: Take a Benadryl or another medication containing diphenhydramine which is a specific type of antihistamine.


What is the most common lingering symptoms of COVID-19?

Neurological symptoms
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
  • Headache.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
  • Pins-and-needles feelings.
  • Change in smell or taste.
  • Depression or anxiety.


How do you clear nasal congestion?

How to Clear a Stuffy Nose
  1. Avoid common irritants. Cold sufferers should avoid irritants such as smoke and strong perfumes.
  2. Drink water. Staying hydrated while treating a cold can help keep mucus thin and drain.
  3. Take a decongestant. ...
  4. Take a hot hot shower. ...
  5. Use a humidifier. ...
  6. Relax with a warm compress.


When are you most contagious with COVID?

People are thought to be most contagious early in the course of their illness. With Omicron, most transmission appears to occur during the one to two days before onset of symptoms, and in the two to three days afterwards. People with no symptoms can also spread the coronavirus to others.

Are you still contagious with COVID-19 after 5 days?

Infectiousness usually begins to decrease after day 5, but this doesn't mean you can't spread the virus beginning on day 6. This is why it is SO important to wear a mask through day 10. Everyone's immune response is different, and we can spread the virus for different amounts of time.


When do COVID symptoms get worse?

In some people, COVID-19 causes more severe symptoms like high fever, severe cough, and shortness of breath, which often indicates pneumonia. A person may have mild symptoms for about one week, then worsen rapidly. Let your doctor know if your symptoms quickly worsen over a short period of time.

Does congestion come at the end of a cold?

As your cold runs its course, you'll likely still have some nasal congestion for another 3 to 5 days. During this time, you may notice that your nasal discharge has turned to a yellow or green color. This is a sign that your body has been actively fighting the infection.

Does blowing your nose make congestion worse?

But in a new study, they have found that doing so may actually make a cold worse, because the blow propels mucus into the nasal sinuses. Blowing one's nose creates a significant amount of pressure, according to Jack M.


How do you know a cold is ending?

Within 7–10 days , people will usually start to recover from a cold. Symptoms begin to ease up, and people will start feeling better. People may also find that they have more energy and are more able to carry out tasks as usual.

How do you get rid of mucus after COVID?

Ways to help a cough with phlegm
  1. stay hydrated.
  2. inhale steam.
  3. try lying on either side as flat as you can to help drain the phlegm.
  4. try moving around to help to move the phlegm.
  5. try breathing control techniques if you move to an area with a different temperature.


What does COVID pneumonia feel like?

COVID pneumonia occurs when a COVID infection causes fluid to build up in the lungs. The main symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Not everyone with COVID will develop COVID pneumonia. The symptoms of COVID and pneumonia are very similar, but a chest X-ray can tell the difference.


What does mild COVID feel like?

Many people who are infected have more mild symptoms like a scratchy throat, stuffy or runny nose, occasional mild cough, fatigue, and no fever. Some people have no symptoms at all, but they can still spread the disease.” Fever seems to be one of the more common early markers of COVID-19, Kline noted.

How to get through COVID faster?

To care for yourself, follow these steps:
  1. Keep a daily routine, such as taking a shower and getting dressed.
  2. Take breaks from COVID-19 news and social media.
  3. Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of fluids.
  4. Stay physically active.
  5. Get plenty of sleep.
  6. Avoid use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol.


Should you take cough syrup with COVID?

Why you should avoid some cough syrups if you think you've got the coronavirus. A common cough syrup ingredient has pro-viral properties and should be avoided by people infected by the coronavirus, scientists warn.


What is COVID cough like?

A common symptom of COVID-19 is a dry cough, which is also known as an unproductive cough (a cough that doesn't produce any phlegm or mucus). Most people with dry cough experience it as a tickle in their throat or as irritation in their lungs.

Does coughing up phlegm mean your getting better?

However, if you have other respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia with COVID-19, you may have a wet cough that contains mucus. Does coughing up mucus mean you're getting better? In most cases, coughing up mucus means your body is working to fight off an infection, and it is in the healing stages.