Managing a COVID-19 infection requires understanding when symptoms can be handled at home and when medical attention is needed. This guide helps identify symptom severity levels and when to contact a healthcare provider.
Understanding Symptom Severity
COVID-19 symptoms can range widely, from mild discomfort to severe illness. Many people experience mild symptoms that can be managed with rest and over-the-counter medications, similar to a common cold or flu. These may include a runny nose, sore throat, or a headache. You might also experience a low-grade fever, fatigue, or muscle aches.
Symptoms that are more concerning, yet not immediately life-threatening, suggest a need to contact a healthcare provider for advice. These could include a persistent fever that lasts five days or more, a cough that worsens, or fatigue that significantly impacts daily activities. While these symptoms might not require emergency care, speaking with a doctor can help determine if treatments like antiviral medications are appropriate, especially if started early in the illness.
Immediate Emergency Signals
Certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency and require immediate attention. Seek emergency medical help right away if you or someone you are caring for experiences trouble breathing or severe shortness of breath while resting.
Other emergency signals include persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, or an inability to wake up or stay awake. Changes in skin color, such as pale, gray, or bluish lips, skin, or nail beds, also signal a need for urgent medical evaluation.
Factors That Lower the Threshold for Care
Some individuals face a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness, meaning they should seek medical advice sooner, even with milder symptoms. Older age is a factor, with those 65 and older having a higher risk of needing hospital care. Babies younger than six months also have an increased risk.
Underlying chronic medical conditions also increase the risk for severe illness. These include heart conditions like heart failure or coronary artery disease, lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and metabolic conditions like type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Other conditions that lower the threshold for care include chronic kidney disease, a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or certain medications, and pregnancy. Individuals with these factors should discuss their symptoms with a healthcare provider promptly.
When to Re-Evaluate Symptoms
COVID-19 can be unpredictable, with symptoms sometimes improving before worsening again. If your symptoms do not improve as expected after several days, or if they worsen significantly after a period of stability, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider. This applies even if you initially had mild symptoms.
New symptoms developing after initial improvement, or a return of symptoms after feeling better (known as a COVID rebound), also warrant medical consultation. This could include a new persistent cough, increased fatigue, or difficulty breathing not present earlier. Seeking guidance when changes occur ensures appropriate care.