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Warning-sign checks

Coronavirus: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for:

    • Severe difficulty breathing or inability to speak comfortably
    • New pressure or pain in the chest
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips, skin, or nail beds
    • New confusion, collapse, or difficulty waking
    • Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping or one-sided weakness
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you test positive or develop symptoms and have a higher risk of severe illness.

    Early contact matters because antivirals have a limited starting window.

    Seek urgent medical help for worsening shortness of breath, dehydration, persistent fever with deterioration, new palpitations, or other concerning symptoms.

    Interpret a home oxygen reading alongside symptoms and personal medical advice because home devices can be inaccurate.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if:

    • Symptoms are not improving as expected
    • Cough, tiredness, breathlessness, or altered smell persists
    • Symptoms repeatedly worsen after activity
    • Recovery affects work, school, sleep, or daily care
    • A child develops ongoing fever, rash, red eyes, stomach pain, or unusual tiredness after COVID-19

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if you are severely unwell.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Coronavirus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.