Common question
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
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
What are some emergency warning signs for COVID-19?
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:Trouble breathingPersistent pain or pressure in the chestNew confusionInability to wake or stay awakeBluish lips or face
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.Jan 25, 2022
How do I know that my COVID-19 infection starts to cause pneumonia?
If your COVID-19 infection starts to cause pneumonia, you may notice things like:Rapid heartbeatShortness of breath or breathlessnessRapid breathingDizzinessHeavy sweatingJan 25, 2022
How can I treat symptoms of COVID-19 at home?
Your healthcare provider might recommend the following to relieve symptoms and support your body’s natural defenses:• Taking medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever• Drinking water or receiving intravenous fluids to stay hydrated• Getting plenty of rest to help the body fight the virus
What to do if you think you have mild symptoms of COVID-19?
• Stay home unless you need medical care. If you do need to go in, call your doctor or hospital first for guidance.• Tell your doctor about your illness. If you’re at high risk of complications because of your age or other health conditions, they might have more instructions.Jan 25, 2022
Can I stay at home to recover if I have only mild symptoms of COVID-19?
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.
What does COVID-19 pneumonia cause?
The pneumonia that COVID-19 causes tends to take hold in both lungs. Air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid, limiting their ability to take in oxygen and causing shortness of breath, cough and other symptoms.Feb 28, 2022
Can you get pneumonia when infected with COVID-19?
Most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms like coughing, a fever, and shortness of breath. But some who catch the new coronavirus get severe pneumonia in both lungs.Jan 25, 2022
How many people with COVID-19 will get pneumonia?
About 15% of COVID-19 cases are severe. That means they may need to be treated with oxygen in a hospital. About 5% of people have critical infections and need a ventilator..Jan 25, 2022
Which medications can help reduce the symptoms of COVID-19?
In terms of specifics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, assuming you don't have a health history that should prevent you from using them. It's usually not necessary to lower a fever – an elevated temperature is meant to help your body fight off the virus.Dec 21, 2021
How long do COVID-19 symptoms last?
Acute COVID-19. Active illness can last one to two weeks if you have mild or moderate coronavirus disease, but severe cases can last months. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning they never have symptoms but do have COVID-19.Jan 24, 2022
Should you take cold medications if you have COVID-19 without symptoms?
If you have COVID-19 but don't have symptoms, don't take cold medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®). These medications may hide the symptoms of COVID-19.Jan 12, 2022