When should I see a doctor about COVID-19?
In this article we will describe when to see a doctor about COVID-19. Normally you do not need to.
Let’s start with the basics.
The symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure and are similar to symptoms of:
- Other coronavirus strains, which often affect the respiratory system
- Many other viruses – e.g. rhinoviruses or influenza viruses – that cause the common cold or flu.
Most infections are mild and last 5-6 days, and people are fully better by 2 weeks. So you do not normally need to see a doctor.
Also it’s important to note that 30% of people with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all, or report only very mild symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19
These are the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of COVID-19 symptoms:
Common
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Tiredness
4. Loss of taste or smell
Less common
5. Sore throat
6. Headache
7. Aches and pains
8. Diarrhoea
9. Rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes
10. Red or irritated eyes.
Most serious (need rapid medical help)
- Chest pain
- Confusion (new)
- Loss of speech or mobility
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Other
- Brain fog
- Symptoms of Long COVID.
In the most severe cases of COVID-19, symptoms can develop into pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, heart problems and kidney failure. In this case, hospital admission will be required.
Whilst anyone can contract COVID-19, high-risk groups include: older adults and people with underlying health conditions (e.g. heart and lung disease, diabetes), and conditions in which doctors are suppressing the immune system.
When to see a doctor about COVID-19
Most people can manage COVID-19 at home. And you do not need to consult a doctor.
So, how can you tell if you do need to talk to your doctor? If you have any of the serious symptoms described above.
Also. Ask yourself the following questions 3 times a day (morning, afternoon and night) – “am I able to:
- Breathe normally – and am I short of breath at rest or on mild exertion? Do I have any of the severe symptoms above?
- Get my own food, and drink (for example, water) without any help?
- Eat normally?
- Go to the toilet normally?
- Take my regular medication?
- Think normally?”
If you answer ‘no’ to any of these questions, see a doctor. You should also contact your GP if you feel dizzy or lightheaded, or your symptoms start to worsen.
You should also contact your GP if you are pregnant, have any chronic condition, especially if doctors are suppressing your immune system.
Summary
We have described when should I see a doctor about COVID-19. We hope you understand them better now.
Other resources
Basics of COVID-19
What does a positive COVID-19 test look like?
Questions and answers about COVID-19
UK government advice on COVID-19
Further UK government advice on COVID-19
Mortality of COVID-19
Last Reviewed on 28 May 2024