The experience of having COVID-19 can range from a mild inconvenience to a severe, life-threatening illness. For most individuals, symptoms are managed safely at home with rest and over-the-counter medication. Determining when the illness escalates past home management and requires professional medical attention is crucial. This guidance helps you quickly assess the severity of your symptoms and seek the appropriate level of care.
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Emergency Care
Acute warning signs indicate a severe complication of COVID-19 requiring emergency medical intervention, such as calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency department. Respiratory distress is a primary concern, manifesting as persistent trouble breathing or shortness of breath, especially while resting or trying to speak in complete sentences.
Oxygen deprivation may be signaled by changes in skin color, such as pale, gray, or blue-colored lips, nail beds, or skin. This discoloration suggests that blood oxygen levels have dropped significantly (hypoxemia).
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest may signal lung inflammation or a cardiovascular event. Any new confusion, disorientation, or a significant change in mental status also requires an immediate emergency response. This alteration in consciousness suggests the infection is affecting the brain or the body is suffering from systemic distress.
An inability to wake up or stay awake, or profound sleepiness, is another sign of severe illness. Seek emergency medical care without delay if these acute signs appear.
When to Seek Urgent Care or Primary Care
Many COVID-19 symptoms require medical advice but do not pose an immediate threat to life. These are best addressed by a primary care physician or an urgent care center. These settings are better equipped to handle non-life-threatening illnesses and can prevent unnecessary strain on emergency room resources. Symptoms in this category include a high or persistent fever that remains elevated despite taking medication.
A worsening of general symptoms after several days of presumed recovery, such as a significantly more severe cough, warrants non-emergency medical evaluation. This worsening may indicate a secondary infection or a progression of the illness requiring closer monitoring.
If you have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk for severe illness, urgent care is the appropriate place to be evaluated for antiviral medications. Timely treatment, such as a prescription for Paxlovid, can help prevent the infection from progressing to a severe stage.
Contact your doctor or visit an urgent care if you are experiencing signs of dehydration, such as significant dizziness when standing up or a marked reduction in urination. These symptoms require prompt attention to avoid further complications. For moderate symptoms, calling your primary care provider first is the best initial step for guidance.
Essential Steps Before Leaving for the ER
If your symptoms require emergency care, take steps to ensure the safety of healthcare personnel and prepare for your hospital visit. Immediately put on a high-quality face mask to minimize virus transmission. If calling 911, clearly state that you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing consistent symptoms.
If you are being driven to the emergency department, have the driver call the hospital ahead of time to notify them of your arrival and COVID-19 status. This allows the hospital to implement appropriate infection control protocols.
Before leaving, gather essential documentation: photo identification, insurance card, and a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking, along with any known allergies. Having this information readily available will expedite treatment upon arrival.