At present the whole world is fighting a collective battle to defeat the Coronavirus or COVID-19. What started off in Wuhan, China, has now spread to more than 200 countries with the United States and Europe being worst hit. Italy and Spain top the list in terms of number of confirmed cases and deaths related to Coronavirus or COVID-19 and the United States tops the list in the world at present with more than 500,000 being affected and more than 18,000 casualties as on April 11, 2020. The figures of the whole world stand at 1,680,000 confirmed cases and over 100,000 deaths due to Coronavirus or COVID-19.[1] These statistics are rapidly increasing on a day to day basis.
The mortality rate of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 is quite low when compared to their counterparts like SARS and MERS who are also from the coronavirus family. The only thing that has caused Coronavirus or COVID-19 to wreak havoc all over the world is the aggressiveness with which the infection spreads. Coronavirus has been known to clinicians since the 1960s and has been responsible for majority of coughs, colds, and fever. This new strain of the coronavirus is not different from its predecessors albeit it additionally affects the lungs, especially in people with premorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or are above 60 years of age with a compromised immunity.[1]
In many cases, Coronavirus or COVID-19 may not produce any symptoms at all but may still spread. As of now, there is no treatment or vaccine available for this infection and self-isolation and quarantine is the only option for infected patients.[1] What has been discussed in the article below is the incubation period of this virus and the recovery time for people who get this infection.
What Is The Incubation Period Of The Coronavirus Disease & Its Recovery Time?
The incubation period of any virus is the time period between getting the virus and the onset of symptoms. With regard to the incubation period of Coronavirus or COVID-19, experts believe it is anywhere between a week to 14 days. In most cases, the symptoms can be observed within five days of contracting the virus. This is based on the analysis of the patients infected with this virus. A more clarity about the incubation period can be seen as more and more data is available.[2]
With regard to the recovery time from Coronavirus or COVID-19, there are certain factors which determine how long it will take to recover from the infection. These factors include how severe the symptoms are, the age of the patient, and any comorbid condition as explained above.[2]
The WHO has stated that approximately 80% of all cases of Coronavirus or COVID-19 across the world are mild to at maximum moderate. This means that in most cases the symptoms involve fever, cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath in some cases. These patients recover without any complications and the recovery is even faster in the young population infected with COVID-19. In fact, some people are completely asymptomatic to the extent that they are not even aware that they have Coronavirus or COVID-19 unless they are screened.[2]
With regard to specific time required for recovery from coronavirus infection or COVID-19, it is quite variable. While some people may recover within 10-15 days, in some cases recovery may take as long as a month depending on the disease progression and the precautions that the patient takes in terms of self-isolation and following the physician’s advice. However, in people with premorbid conditions and compromised immune system, the recovery may be hampered by complications in the lungs and may have to be put on artificial respiration to aid in recovery from Coronavirus or COVID-19.[2]
Also Read:
- What Does Coronavirus Do To Your Body?
- How to Prevent Getting Coronavirus?
- Is Coronavirus Curable?
- How Do You Test For Coronavirus?
- What Gets Rid Of Coronavirus?
- How Common is Coronavirus (Covid-19)?
- Can Face Mask Protect Against Coronavirus?
- Should You Be Worried About Coronavirus (COVID-19, 2019-nCoV)?
