When should I seek emergency care if I have COVID-19?
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Should I go to the hospital if I have mild COVID-19 symptoms?
Mild COVID-19 cases still can make you feel lousy. But you should be able to rest at home and recover fully without a trip to the hospital.
How is the severity of a COVID-19 infection defined?
See full answerMild Illness: Individuals who have any of the various signs and symptoms of COVID 19 (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain) without shortness of breath, dyspnea, or abnormal chest imaging.Moderate Illness: Individuals who have evidence of lower respiratory disease by clinical assessment or imaging and a saturation of oxygen (SpO2) ≥94\% on room air at sea level.Severe Illness: Individuals who have respiratory frequency >30 breaths per minute, SpO2 <94\% on room air at sea level (or, for patients with chronic hypoxemia, a decrease from baseline of >3\%), ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) <300 mmHg, or lung infiltrates >50\%.Critical Illness: Individuals who have respiratory failure, septic shock, and/or multiple organ dysfunction.
What does the CDC suggest for me if I am sick with COVID-19?
• Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. • Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.