Published on: 9/30/2024
When Should I See a Doctor for Covid?
If you have COVID, you should seek medical attention when experiencing severe symptoms like trouble breathing, trouble maintaining consciousness, or concerns for dehydration. You should also seek medical attention for COVID if you fall into a group at high risk for severe COVID illness so you can discuss antiviral treatment.
Explanation
Seek medical attention for COVID infection if your symptoms are severe or quickly worsening. Specifically, if you are having trouble breathing, staying consciousness or cannot stay hydrated you may need treatment and hospitalization until your conditions stabilizes. If you fall into a group at high risk of complications from COVID infection, you should seek medication attention as soon as you suspect infection. You may benefit from antiviral infection to prevent severe infection. The sooner the treatment is started, the better. Groups that are at elevated risk of complications from COVID infection include: age > 50, chronic disease (obesity, heart or lung or kidney disease), compromised immune system. If unsure please seek further medical evaluation and discuss with your health care provider.
(References)
Bhargava A, Fukushima EA, Levine M, Zhao W, Tanveer F, Szpunar SM, Saravolatz L. Predictors for Severe COVID-19 Infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Nov 5;71(8):1962-1968. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa674. PMID: 32472676; PMCID: PMC7314166.
Cascella M, Rajnik M, Aleem A, Dulebohn SC, Di Napoli R. Features, Evaluation, and Treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19). 2023 Aug 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 32150360.
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