These COVID Symptoms Are Red Flags That You Need Medical Attention

Doctors share the warning signs of a severe infection and what warrants a visit with a doctor.

When you have a COVID-19 infection, you’re told to isolate and stay away from others until you’re better. But while many folks do improve at home thanks to a combination of medication, rest, hydration and time, others require additional medical intervention.

While we know the hallmark symptoms of COVID ― like coughing, fatigue, for example ― there are some COVID-19 symptoms that aren’t normal and shouldn’t be treated as such.

“What’s really important is making sure people look out for certain telltale signs and symptoms that may warrant hospital-level care or [care from] a health care provider, so that way they don’t face severe illness, even hospitalization and death,” said Dr. Syra Madad, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Below, experts share what COVID-related issues should be instant red flags, plus some advice on what to do:

Breathing issues, high fever, dizziness and confusion are all reasons to get immediate medical care.