Manage Symptoms
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help feel better.
COVID-19 Rebound
COVID-19 rebound is a return of symptoms or a new positive test 3-7 days after:
- recovering from the initial illness, or
- having tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
People may experience rebound whether they received COVID-19 antiviral medication or not. Rebound symptoms are typically mild and resolve in a few days.
Studies suggest there is no increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness in people who experience COVID-19 rebound after antiviral medication.
The benefits of COVID-19 treatment outweigh the risk of rebound if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may have rebound. If you don't have a healthcare provider, contact your local community health center or health department.