COVID: Emergency Warning Signs vs. Mild Symptoms

COVID-19 is an epidemic disease that anyone could get if they become exposed to the virus.

As the pandemic has progressed over the first half of 2020, there have been reports of people with no symptoms, mild symptoms, or severe symptoms. Because the manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms is different in each person, it is easy for people to be confused about whether they should recover at home or a healthcare facility.

In this article, we will highlight the difference between emergency warning signs and mild symptoms of COVID.

COVID19: Mild Symptoms

Most people are likely to experience mild symptoms if they get COVID. Coronavirus mild symptoms are very similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or influenza. However, COVID-19 may have different health repercussions than common respiratory diseases, so it should not be underestimated. 

People infected with COVID-19 may experience a combination of a couple of the following mild symptoms:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fever or chills
• Muscle pain or body ache
• Náusea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Congestion or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Loss of smell or taste
• Headache

Note: COVID-19 is a relatively new illness from which healthcare professionals are still learning about its symptoms and health repercussions. Therefore, the symptoms mentioned above may not be the only ones experienced when having COVID.

What should I do if I have mild Symptoms?

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or suspect you may be sick, according to the CDC guidelines, here is what you should do:

1. Stay at home. If your symptoms are mild, you are likely to have a full recovery at home. You will need to isolate at home for about 14 days.
2. Contact a healthcare provider. Notify via phone or email to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. They will assess if you need to get tested, how long should you be isolated at home, and if contact tracing is necessary.
3. Separate yourself from other people. During quarantine, separate yourself from people living in your household to avoid spreading the virus.
4. Monitor your symptoms. Monitor and report the development of your symptoms to your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers will determine when you are ready to end the home isolation.

COVID19: Emergency Warning Signs

Emergency warning signs for COVID-19 are indicators of the development of severe illness.

Anyone can develop emergency signs, but they are more commonly seen in people with certain medical conditions — heart conditions, lung conditions, diabetes, liver disease, among others — or in people who are 85 or older.

For COVID-19, the following are some examples of emergency warning signs:

• Persistent chest pain
• New confusion
• Trouble to breath
• Lips or face presenting a bluish tone
• Inability to remain awake

Call a healthcare provider or 911 if you show any of the symptoms mentioned above or other signs that may imply a life-threatening condition.

How to prepare for a medical appointment? 

If you are sick and require medical attention at a healthcare facility, we recommend following the guidelines provided by the CDC:

1. Call your doctor. Call your doctor, tell them you have COVID and why you need a medical appointment. They will give you instructions about how to enter the hospital without putting others at risk.
2. Wear a mask. Wear a mask when you are out in public and around other people.
3. Social distance. Wearing a mask is no substitute for social distancing. Stay 6 feet away from other people.

BASS Urgent Care provides immediate care for a wide range of illnesses. For further doubts or concerns about COVID-19, contact us today through our Urgent Care Online portal. We are here to help.