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:
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Fever or chills
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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Body aches
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Headache
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New loss of taste or smell
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Sore throat
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Sinus congestion or runny nose
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
When to seek emergency care
Here are some symptoms that should be evaluated at your nearest ER:
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Shortness of breath while resting
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A persistent or worsening cough, fever and/or difficulty breathing
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A change in mental status
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Persistent chest pain or pressure
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Extreme sleepiness, trouble waking up or difficulty staying awake
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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.