The answer to how long you can be infected with COVID-19 depends on a few factors, such as your overall health and the severity of your symptoms. Generally, the average duration of a COVID-19 infection is around two weeks, but some patients may take longer to recover.
The first signs of a COVID-19 infection typically appear within five days of exposure, but the virus can take up to 14 days to incubate. This means that you may not experience any symptoms during the first two weeks, but you can still be contagious and potentially infect others.
Once you become symptomatic, the duration of your infection can vary. Mild cases of COVID-19 typically last between two and three weeks, while more severe cases may last four to six weeks. The recovery process can also be slower if you are elderly or have an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma.
In some cases, the virus can linger in your system for longer than six weeks. People who are immunocompromised or experience prolonged symptoms may take months to fully recover. During this time, they may still be contagious, so it is important to practice proper hygiene and social distancing.
Overall, it is difficult to predict exactly how long you may be infected with COVID-19. The duration of the illness can vary depending on your individual health and the severity of the virus.