Which COVID symptoms are lasting the longest and shortest right now? Here's what experts say

COVID symptoms vary in nature and duration and multiple other factors, with each new variant. Amid the wave of BA.5 omicron subvariant cases, certain symptoms may last longer than others.

Experts note that this time, we are seeing more upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throats, fatigue, fever and runny nose. So, in a way, the whole body is affected, instead of primarily focusing on the lungs.

Experts also add that the severity and type of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. So how long do symptoms last now and which might take longer to resolve? Here are the answers.

Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said during a recent Facebook Live that a cough will likely be the symptom that lingers longest.

"Cough tends to be the most lingering effect. That's true whenever you have any viral infection. You can be feeling totally better, you're still gonna have some irritation and... a cough doesn't mean you're contagious past 10 days but that's usually the last to go away." Dr. Arwady said.

She added that fatigue is another symptom that can last a bit longer. It is therefore advised to go easy on yourself after recovery and slowly return to your routine activities only when you feel ready.

Most people with COVID-19 get better within a few days to a few weeks after infection. But for some, the symptoms may last for an incredibly longer time. Post-COVID conditions can include a wide range of health problems that can last weeks, months, or years.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Most patients’ symptoms slowly improve with time. However, for some people, post-COVID conditions may last months, and potentially years, after COVID-19 illness and may sometimes result in disability."

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A recent study from Northwestern Medicine has found many symptoms that COVID long-haulers continue to experience for an average of 15 months after the onset of Coronavirus. These include:

• Brain fog
• Tingling
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus
• Fatigue

Dr. Arwady noted that a fever is one of the bigger indicators of contagiousness, and also one of the first symptoms to disappear. "We pay a lot of attention to fever because... while fever is ongoing there is a lot of inflammation in your body, you're often very infectious and so that we usually see go away sooner."

Fever is also one of the first symptoms people infected with COVID might experience.

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Fever, headache, sore throat or fatigue are some of the earliest symptoms an infected person may commonly experience, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Some patients also experience a loss of taste or smell as an early symptom, but it is not that common currently with the most recent variants.

A study by researchers at the University of Southern California found fever may be the first symptom, followed by a cough and muscle pain. After these, those infected will likely experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

For some people, digestive symptoms can also be the first sign for contracting COVID. These develop first, followed by respiratory symptoms possibly a day later, according to an article from Emerson Health.