When experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, deciding whether to seek emergency medical attention can be confusing due to varying symptom severity. Making an informed choice is important for personal health and to ensure emergency services remain available for those most in need. Understanding specific indicators for immediate care can guide your actions.
Recognizing Emergency Warning Signs
Certain symptoms indicate a severe turn in COVID-19 and require an immediate emergency room visit. Trouble breathing is a primary concern; this may manifest as working hard to breathe or feeling unable to catch your breath. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest can signal serious complications, requiring urgent evaluation. Changes in mental status, such as new confusion or an inability to wake or stay awake, are also important indicators. These neurological changes suggest dangerously low oxygen levels.
Observing changes in skin color is another warning sign. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone, suggest low blood oxygen levels. This condition, known as hypoxemia or silent hypoxia, can occur even without noticeable breathlessness, making visual cues relevant. A pulse oximeter reading consistently below 90-94% on room air should prompt an ER visit, as this indicates inadequate oxygen saturation. If these severe symptoms appear, prompt medical attention is important to prevent organ damage or life-threatening complications.
Symptoms Not Requiring Emergency Care
Many common COVID-19 symptoms do not require an emergency room visit and can be managed at home. These include a high temperature or shivering, a new continuous cough, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and a sore throat. Mild symptoms can also include congestion or a runny nose, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms are often comparable to those of a common cold or flu.
For most individuals, these less severe manifestations of COVID-19 can improve with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. Fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever and body aches. Over-the-counter cough suppressants and decongestants can also alleviate respiratory discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen, contacting a primary care provider or an urgent care clinic for advice is advisable, as they can assess the situation and recommend appropriate next steps, including prescription treatments.
Preparing for an ER Visit
If you or someone you are caring for exhibits warning signs, preparing for an ER visit can streamline the process. If possible, call ahead to the emergency facility to notify them of your arrival and symptoms. This allows staff to prepare for your specific needs, including implementing infection control measures. When heading to the ER, wearing a face mask is important to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Remember to bring personal identification and insurance information, as this will expedite the registration process upon arrival. While calling ahead is beneficial, do not delay seeking care if symptoms are severe and rapidly escalating. Emergency departments are equipped to handle urgent situations immediately, regardless of prior notification. Prioritizing immediate medical attention for severe symptoms is important.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Upon arrival at the emergency room, patients with potential COVID-19 symptoms undergo a structured process designed to ensure safety and efficient care. The first step is triage, where medical staff quickly assess the severity of your condition and prioritize treatment based on your symptoms. To minimize virus transmission, individuals with respiratory symptoms are provided with a mask and directed to separate waiting areas or isolated rooms.
Medical staff will conduct an assessment, which may include checking vital signs, oxygen levels, and performing physical examinations. Depending on the assessment, further diagnostic tests such as COVID-19 testing, chest X-rays, or blood tests may be ordered. Treatment options in the ER vary based on the patient’s condition, ranging from supplemental oxygen and medications to, in severe cases, admission to the hospital for intensive care. Patients will receive instructions for home care upon discharge or be admitted if their condition warrants ongoing medical supervision.