Health: Red-flag COVID symptoms require medical attention, experts say

Health experts say certain COVID-19 symptoms are red flags that warrant medical attention rather than at-home care. Among them are shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, blue-tinged lips, dizziness or confusion, and a fever above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, national medical director at Amazon One Medical, emphasized that trouble breathing is a clear trigger for emergency care, noting that gasping for breath should prompt an ER visit.

In the early course of infection, experts describe a rapid viral replication phase followed by an inflammatory response as the body fights the virus. That inflammatory phase can affect the lungs and make breathing harder. If you notice you’re struggling to catch your breath during walking, sitting, or talking, that’s a reason to go to the ER, according to Dr. Mohammad Mahdee Sobhanie, an infectious diseases physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Chest pain is another red-flag symptom that should trigger an ER visit, and blue-tinged lips can signal dangerously low oxygen levels. If you have a pulse oximeter at home and notice a low reading, seek medical help promptly.

Lightheadedness, confusion or dizziness require immediate medical attention as well. Dr. Syra Madad, an infectious disease epidemiologist, noted that if someone in your household becomes confused or disoriented, that’s a serious sign to seek emergency care. High fevers over 103 degrees Fahrenheit can also warrant urgent assessment, though they can sometimes be managed by a primary care provider. If you’re ever unsure, seek help right away as a precaution.

Some patients are at higher risk for severe outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies adults over 50, people with underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease, and those who are immunocompromised as higher risk. If your general symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. “If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms, like a worsening sore throat or a cough, or worsening fever or headache, that’s another red flag to seek health care services,” Madad said. Communicate clearly what symptoms are changing and how quickly they’re progressing. Health-care providers may consider antiviral medications if appropriate.

For many patients, recovery unfolds over a period of days to weeks. Bhuyan said the typical trajectory can begin with a scratchy throat, followed by more severe symptoms around day three or four, and eventual improvement. Still, a subset of cases can deteriorate after about a week. “From there, people tend to get better,” she said, but if someone starts to worsen on day six or day seven, it’s critical to reach out to a primary care provider. This pattern may reflect progression to complications such as pneumonia, underscoring the importance of monitoring symptoms closely.

Vaccination remains a central defense. The COVID-19 vaccine is effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death, though it may not prevent infection entirely. Sobhanie noted that it’s not too late in the season to get a vaccine if available, but timing should be discussed with a physician, especially if you recently had COVID-19. Madad encouraged returning to a layered approach to protection, describing the “Swiss cheese model” of prevention: multiple imperfect layers — masks in crowded spaces, distancing, and staying up to date with vaccination — together reduce risk. As the winter season brings higher activity of respiratory viruses, including flu and RSV, these measures remain important.

People who are high risk should stay in close touch with their clinicians after a positive test. Sobhanie stressed that individuals with underlying health conditions or who are immunocompromised should be proactive in seeking guidance early, rather than waiting for symptoms to escalate. If you are unsure about your risk level, contacting your doctor promptly is prudent, since early intervention can influence outcomes.

If you’re not sure what to do, seek medical advice promptly. Antiviral medications may help some patients, and doctors can tailor the response to your condition. Keeping your clinician informed about your COVID infection helps with monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. The goal is to prevent progression to more severe disease and complications, while supporting a smoother recovery trajectory.

In summary, recognizing red-flag symptoms and seeking timely medical care can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death. Vaccination, masking in high-risk settings, and staying attuned to changes in symptoms remain key strategies as seasonal respiratory viruses circulate. If you’re unsure about the seriousness of your symptoms, contact a health-care provider without delay. The experts’ message is clear: when in doubt, get checked.