Confusion, troubled breathing, and more can mean you need immediate medical help.
The novel coronavirus is a mysterious creation of nature. Some people with the virus do not fall sick at all yet carry a large viral load. Others die within days from the illness. Medical and research professionals still have a lot to learn about this tiny creature that, unfortunately, likes to call us ‘home’. We have vaccines coming to save us, but we are far from sitting in the clear. Admittedly, however, the medical world has learned some impactful essentials in a relatively small amount of time, and this is quite remarkable.
Let’s paint the picture. When the pandemic first took hold in North America, roughly 1,000 to 3,000 people were dying from the virus each day. The US still has a large number of daily deaths from COVID-19. In fact, death counts are inching back into the heights they grew to last April and beyond. It is not the same scene on the street now, however. And this matters.
Last spring, there were often between 20,000 and 30,000 cases of COVID-19 being diagnosed each day in the US. Now, there are upwards of 200,000 daily cases nationwide. Yes, there could be more testing going on. The virus, however, is also really taking off. It has spread to places in which it wasn’t alive last April. Deaths, however, are not (yet) skyrocketing. Doctors have learned to keep the death count in the same regions as it was previously.
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So, obviously, a lot of learning has gone on between last spring and now. In fact, experts are now saying that if you learn you have COVID-19 and you fall within a high risk group, that you contact your doctor or get to the local hospital as soon as you can. This is because there are now known preventive measures doctors can take in the early stages of the virus to help stop your illness from blooming too much. (Essentially, it is easier to slow down COVID-19 in its early stages than it is once it gets going in your system). Back last April however, there was nothing more than a ventilator.
The advancements in the treatment of the coronavirus are good news. Some people still fall gravely ill, however, and can die without immediate help. What should you be looking for?
Here are 5 signs of serious COVID-19 that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say should be treated as an emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know has the novel coronavirus and:
- trouble breathing
- confusion that is new
- bluish lips or face
- pain or pressure in your chest
- the inability to stay awake
Call 911 for help if you have COVID-19 and one or more of these symptoms. You can also call ahead to your local emergency facility to alert them you may have the virus and are on your way. When calling 911 or another location, notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who you know or think has COVID-19.
Of course, this is not a complete list of symptoms and if you have another COVID-19 symptom that is worrying you, do not hesitate to get help.
In fact, never hesitate to call for help. You can save a life.
photo credits: Blue Planet Studio/Shutterstock.com
