When do you need urgent medical care for coronavirus? Here are the danger signs

Most people with coronavirus recover at home without needing to see a doctor or go to a hospital, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Some people without symptoms aren’t even aware they’re sick.

But thousands of people across the United States have been hospitalized with more serious symptoms as the pandemic grows.

In Great Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been hospitalized in intensive care with the COVID-19 virus, where he’s reported to be in stable condition, CNN reported.

More than 1.4 million cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 80,000 deaths as of April 7, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 386,000 confirmed cases with more than 12,000 deaths.

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus a global pandemic. The United States has declared a national emergency.

What are the danger signs that you or a family member may need urgent medical care for the coronavirus? And what should you do then? Here are some answers.

What are the normal symptoms of coronavirus?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, shortness of breath and a dry cough, although not everyone experiences all three, the Mayo Clinic says.

Other reported, less common symptoms include tiredness, aches, runny nose and a sore throat. Some patients also report loss of sense of smell or taste, the clinic says.

Diarrhea and pink eye also have been reported as possible symptoms, McClatchy News has previously reported.

When should you call a doctor?

Call your doctor or other medical provider right away if you think you’ve been infected with coronavirus, Johns Hopkins Medicine advises. Stay home to avoid infecting others and follow your doctor’s advice.

In most cases, that’s all you need to do, aside from treating your minor symptoms at home. But some people, particularly those who are older, have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised, are at greater risk, says the university.

What are the danger signs of a more serious case?

Symptoms including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face may require more urgent care, advises the CDC.

That’s not an all-inclusive list, the agency says. Seek medical help immediately for any symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Possible coronavirus complications include pneumonia and organ failure, in some cases leading to death, the Mayo Clinic warns.

Should you go directly to a hospital?

Call your doctor, health provider or hospital emergency room before going to the hospital or calling an ambulance, the CDC advises. Tell them your symptoms and they’ll tell you if you need to go to the hospital.

If you or someone in your family has a medical emergency and you must call 911, tell the dispatcher about your COVID-19 status, the CDC says. If possible, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to help protect emergency workers.

This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 3:32 PM with the headline "When do you need urgent medical care for coronavirus? Here are the danger signs."