If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, you should know when to visit the emergency room. Many people with COVID-19 will only experience mild to moderate symptoms, but some can have a more severe case.
Depending on the severity of your illness, you may be able to manage your symptoms at home by taking over-the-counter medications, increasing your fluid intake and getting more rest. However, there are some symptoms that should be evaluated in an emergency room.
Symptoms and risk factors
COVID-19 can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most common are:
-
Fever or chills
-
Cough
-
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
-
Fatigue
-
Body aches
-
Headache
-
New loss of taste or smell
-
Sore throat
-
Sinus congestion or runny nose
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Diarrhea
When to seek emergency care
Here are some symptoms that should be evaluated at your nearest ER:
-
Shortness of breath while resting
-
A persistent or worsening cough, fever and/or difficulty breathing
-
A change in mental status
-
Persistent chest pain or pressure
-
Extreme sleepiness, trouble waking up or difficulty staying awake
-
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds
These symptoms can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these, you should seek immediate medical care at your closest emergency room.