The “emergency signs” that you have severe COVID, according to the Mayo Clinic



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Symptoms of COVID of any kind can be alarming, given the unpredictability of this particular disease. But according to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms of COVID are disasters and require emergency care.

These symptoms can indicate a range of issues inside your body that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. They could mean a dramatic drop in blood oxygen levels, pulmonary embolism, severe lung damage, or a number of other serious conditions that can only be treated with immediate care in a hospital.

However, while these can be considered the benchmarks for a true COVID emergency, you should not delay care if your condition is moderate to severe. Experts suggest that delaying medical care may lead to a worse prognosis and that all patients with COVID should register with their medical providers by phone or video to monitor the case.

That said, knowing the emergency signs of COVID could literally save your life in the event your condition worsens quickly. Read on for the five symptoms that the Mayo Clinic says may warrant a call to 911, and to learn more about emergency symptoms of COVID, see If you have any of these COVID symptoms, the CDC said to call 911.

Read the original article on Better life.

woman alone in house at night has hand on chest as she struggles to breathe
woman alone in house at night has hand on chest as she struggles to breathe

Although the respiratory symptoms are considered to be comparable to the course of the new coronavirus, most patients do not experience truly labored breathing. If you notice shortness of breath that persists and gets worse over time, contact your doctor immediately.

Not sure if your difficulty in breathing is worth a call to 911? While you should never hesitate to pick up the phone and call for help if you think you need it, you can also monitor your oxygen saturation levels at home with a pulse oximeter. These finger monitors, available at most drugstores, can help you distinguish between minor shortness of breath and a more serious problem.

Middle aged man with health problems.  Holding his chest and wearing a protective mask.
Middle aged man with health problems. Holding his chest and wearing a protective mask.

COVID has already triggered a whole host of heart problems in patients, especially those with underlying illnesses. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, about 40% of COVID-related deaths are the result of heart failure.

For this reason, you should always take any persistent chest pain or pressure seriously by calling emergency services. And to learn more about serious symptoms of COVID, check out the “really disturbing” COVID long symptom that doctors want you to prepare for.

Cropped shot of young man asleep in bed
Cropped shot of young man asleep in bed

Although fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in COVID cases, a true inability to stay awake should never be ignored. Whenever someone loses consciousness – whether COVID-19 is known or suspected – you must call for emergency assistance.

In the case of the coronavirus, this could indicate a wide range of causes, including a lack of oxygen to the brain, blood clots, delirium, multiple organ failure, and many more.

older man with his head in his hands
older man with his head in his hands

Confusion, delirium, or worsening symptoms of dementia are symptoms that are estimated to affect 20-30% of COVID hospital patients and 70% of critically ill patients. This serious complication is associated with a poorer prognosis and should always be the subject of immediate medical assistance.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, confusion induced by COVID can present in two entirely different ways, depending on the type. “Hyperactive delirium is the hyperactive form in which a patient can be aggressive and agitated, sometimes suffering from delusions or hallucinations,” the clinic explains on its website. “Hypoactive delirium is the underactive form in which patients may appear drowsy, react slowly and withdraw, not communicating with others. And to learn more about the surprising symptoms of COVID, check out If this part of your body hurts, you could have COVID.

Sick patient with blue lips
Sick patient with blue lips

Having blue lips or a blue face could be a clear sign that your oxygen is low. According to Prevention, this condition is called cyanosis and occurs when your red blood cells are deprived of oxygen. “Under normal circumstances, your red blood cells provide oxygen to the tissues in your body,” the publication explains. “These blood cells are bright red and can make your skin pinkish or red, in the case of your lips where the skin is thin. But blood that does not have enough oxygen is dark bluish red. Therefore, people don’t low blood oxygen levels may have a bluish color on the skin and lips. “

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