You might have just tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing flu-like symptoms. And now you’re probably wondering, what comes next?
Will my symptoms get worse before they get better?
What are the worst days of COVID?
And when should I seek medical help?
At Family Urgent Care, we’ve treated hundreds of COVID-positive patients over the past few years. Although symptoms can vary in many individuals, we’ve seen a day-by-day pattern of symptoms in many cases.
“The uncertainty can be just as tough as the symptoms,” says Dr. Asrar Sheikh, MD, at the clinic “We created this breakdown to give patients a clear sense of what to expect and when to reach out for help.”
In this blog, you’ll find a simple, doctor-informed timeline of COVID-19 symptoms, starting from early signs to recovery. You’ll also know when you can end your isolation and what symptoms you should monitor.
Let’s cut to the chase!
| Disclaimer: Every individual’s experience with COVID-19 is different. The symptoms and timelines discussed in this article are based on general patterns observed in patients, but they may vary depending on age, health status, risk factors, and severity of the illness. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical advice according to your specific situation. |
Stages of COVID Day by Day and Steps You Can Take For Immediate Relief
Incubation Period of COVID-19 Variants
The incubation period of COVID-19 begins when the virus enters your body and ends when the symptoms appear. During this time, the virus grows inside the body, makes copies, and gets ready to attack the immune system.
Some strains of COVID have a shorter incubation period of 1-2 days, whereas others can last for 14 days.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the COVID variants and their incubation period:
| COVID Strains | Incubation Period |
| Original COVID-19 | 5-6 days on average but it can range from 2-14 days. |
| Delta Variant | 4 to 5 days on average but some studies suggested a faster onset of symptoms. |
| Omicron Variant & Subvariants | 2–4 days on average (significantly shorter than previous variants) |
| Recent Variants (Since 2024) | There is limited exact data, but evidence suggests they follow a similar or slightly shorter incubation period (2–4 days) like earlier Omicron subvariants. |
Day 1-2: Onset Of Mild Symptoms
On Day 1 and 2, you may experience mild symptoms such as fatigue, throat irritation, and low-grade fever. Some people also feel mild headaches and stuffy nose.
Day 3: When Symptoms Begin to Settle In
By the third day, many people begin to clearly feel the effects of COVID-19. It’s common to experience a low to moderate fever, chills, and muscle aches, similar to what you might feel with the flu.
Some patients also report a persistent headache, which can feel dull or pressure-like. If a dry cough hasn’t already started, it often makes its first appearance around this time. You may also notice an increase in fatigue, making even simple tasks feel exhausting.
While symptoms can vary from person to person, day 3 often marks the beginning of the “acute phase” of the illness, when your immune system is working hard to fight the virus.
What to expect on day 3 of COVID: Expect your body to feel tired, your energy to dip, and symptoms to become more pronounced. Keep on monitoring your temperature, hydrate well, and rest as much as possible.
Day 4-5: Symptoms Are More Pronounced
At this stage, the symptoms may intensify for most people. You may experience more pronounced fatigue, dry cough, muscle ache and loss of taste or smell.
Other common symptoms during this phase include:
- Increased body aches or muscle soreness
- Continued fatigue
- Mild shortness of breath (especially after activity)
- Loss of appetite
- Mild nausea or digestive discomfort
What to expect on day 4 of COVID: Dr Asrar Sheikh, MD at Family Urgent Care, notes that during this phase, many patients feel more drained, and some experience a second wave of chills or body aches. Fatigue can be more intense than in previous days. Keep hydrating, resting, and monitoring your oxygen levels if you feel winded.
Day 6-7: The Second Wave Of Symptoms
This phase can vary from person to person. Some people start feeling better, whereas others may feel more intense symptoms. Some cases also report nausea and diarrhea on days 6 and 7.
You might notice:
- Worsening fatigue
- Heavier cough
- Shortness of breath (mild to moderate in some people)
“This is when we often see symptoms either taper off or flare up,” says Dr. Asrar Sheikh. “Breathing issues can develop quickly, so it’s important to monitor oxygen levels.”
If you’re feeling worse on day 7, especially with breathing trouble or chest tightness, don’t wait; it could signal a more serious turn.
Day 8-10: Symptoms May Peak In Some People
Some people may experience the following symptoms:
- High fever that persists or increases.
- Significant respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Persistent cough that may worsen
- Severe fatigue and muscle ache
It’s crucial to monitor these symptoms closely. If you experience severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face, seek immediate medical attention, as these may indicate serious complications like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Day 11-14: Recovery Period or Escalation
Most people with mild to moderate symptoms start recovering around day 11, but fatigue or cough may linger. During this phase, Dr. Sheikh suggests monitoring your symptoms closely.
For people who had mild to moderate symptoms, CDC no longer recommends isolation after day 10 and you can resume your activities. However, fatigue or mild cough may linger but it is manageable.
Some people may develop long COVID symptoms such as brain fog, breathlessness and severe fatigue.
On the other hand, severe or high-risk cases need close monitoring as they can escalate to pneumonia or lung inflammation.
If your symptoms worsen, inform your healthcare provider immediately. You can also visit Family Urgent Care in Indiana or Illinois to seek proper guidance or medical attention.
Recap Of Day By Day Symptoms Of The Latest COVID Variants
| Day by Day | What Happens (Symptoms) | Action to Take |
| Incubation period | No symptoms | No action unless symptoms |
| Day 1-2 | No symptoms or mild ones: sore throat, fatigue, congestion | Get tested for COVID if exposed or symptomatic, isolate and hydrate yourself |
| Day 3 | Fever, body aches, fatigue, cough may start | Use fever reducers (if advised). Continue to rest and isolate |
| Day 4-5 | Symptoms may fluctuate: some feel better, others experience fatigue, persistent cough | Monitor your symptoms and oxygen levels if you feel breathless. |
| Day 6-7 | Symptoms worsen, fatigue deepens, cough, nasal congestion (in some people), fever | Seek medical care if you have difficulty in breathing |
| Day 8-10 | High fever in some people. Risk of respiratory distress or pneumonia increases | Monitor oxygen. Seek urgent care if chest tightness or difficulty breathing. |
| Day 11-14 | Most begin to recover. Fatigue and cough may linger. | Resume light activity if feeling better. Consult the provider if symptoms persist. |
When Should You End Your Isolation Period?
According to the CDC’s updated guidelines, you can end your stay-home period and return to normal activities under the following criteria:
- You’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications,
AND - Your symptoms are improving overall.
This applies to most respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Keep in mind: Some people may still be contagious even after symptoms improve. That’s why the CDC also recommends taking extra precautions for at least 5 days after returning to daily activities, such as:
- Wearing a well-fitting mask around others
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Avoiding contact with people at higher risk (e.g., elderly, immunocompromised)
If your symptoms worsen or return, or if you’re still feeling very unwell, it’s best to check in with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re experiencing an underlying condition.
Takeaway
All in all, COVID symptoms may vary from person to person but mostly, it is divided into three stages: the incubation period, acute phase (where the symptoms settle in) and the recovery phase.
Note that these severity and intensity of symptoms may grossly overlap with each other and may not remain specific to the days defined in this article.
On some days, you might experience severe symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, body aches and fever. However, on other days, the symptoms might get better.
Dr. Sheikh always recommends his patients monitor their symptoms at home and get checked if they do not feel better.
If you live in Indiana or Illinois, you can even visit our urgent care clinic for quick COVID testing and diagnosis along with proper treatment and a counseling session to monitor and manage your symptoms at home.
