COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presenting with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While most individuals recover at home, some develop complications requiring professional medical intervention. Knowing the difference between symptoms manageable at home and those demanding urgent care is paramount for timely treatment. This guidance outlines specific signs that necessitate contacting a doctor or seeking emergency hospital care.
Immediate Emergency Warning Signs
Certain symptoms indicate the illness has progressed to a severe stage, requiring immediate emergency medical care (calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital). The most concerning sign is severe difficulty breathing, such as being unable to catch your breath or having shortness of breath even while resting. Struggling to speak complete sentences due to the effort of breathing represents a medical emergency.
Persistent pain or pressure felt in the chest is an urgent warning sign, potentially indicating heart or lung involvement. New onset of confusion, an inability to wake up, or trouble staying awake can signal critically low oxygen levels or severe systemic infection. Any discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds (pale, gray, or blue) suggests inadequate oxygenation and requires immediate attention. If these acute symptoms are present, contact emergency services immediately and inform the operator that the person has or may have COVID-19.
When to Contact Your Primary Care Physician
Symptoms that are concerning but not immediately life-threatening warrant consultation with a primary care physician, urgent care, or a telehealth provider. It is advisable to contact the provider’s office before arriving so staff can prepare or advise on the next steps. Seek medical guidance if a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) persists for more than three days or spikes suddenly.
A significant worsening of your cough or increasing shortness of breath that does not meet the emergency threshold should prompt a call to your doctor. If you are struggling to stay adequately hydrated due to persistent vomiting or diarrhea, professional guidance is needed to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Early consultation allows the provider to assess if treatments like antiviral medications are appropriate for reducing the risk of severe illness. Other concerning, non-emergency symptoms include feeling unusually drowsy, having a severe headache that does not improve with over-the-counter medication, or experiencing dizziness when standing.
Monitoring for Vulnerable Populations
Certain individuals face a higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, meaning their threshold for seeking medical attention is lower. This group includes older adults (age 65 and older) and people with serious underlying medical conditions. Common conditions that increase risk include chronic heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and chronic lung conditions like severe asthma.
Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cancer or those taking immune-suppressing medications, also need closer monitoring. For these vulnerable populations, a persistent low-grade fever or a slight dip in oxygen saturation warrants contacting a doctor sooner. Seemingly mild changes, such as new confusion in an older adult, can be the first sign that their condition is worsening rapidly. These individuals should pay close attention to any changes and have a plan with their healthcare provider for when to initiate treatment or seek evaluation.