[Scuba]

Originally Posted by Incubus

How long, after you quit, does nicotine stay in the bloodstream? I've just quit and want to start getting healthier.

Medically the nicotine is gone in 72 to 96 hours unless you receive it from second-hand smoke such as bars, closed rooms, etc.
It will take your body much long to get over the effects of long term nicotine addiction but the benefits begin immediately: Carbon Monoxide levels begin dropping, Blood pressure drops.
Short term you may experience a sore throat but this will clear up shortly.
http://www.smokehelp.org/html/why_.html

What Incubus said