Red flags & when to go in person for COVID-19

Audience: adult

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the coronavirus that affects the lungs and airways. Many people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and can recover at home with rest and fluids. However, some people develop more serious symptoms that need in-person medical care. This guide helps you understand when to seek urgent care or emergency help. Telemedicine can support you by answering questions, guiding testing, and monitoring mild symptoms. But if you notice warning signs such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion, it is important to get medical care in person right away. Knowing these red flags can help keep you and others safe. Always follow local health advice and call emergency services if you are seriously ill. This information is for education only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that is worsening — seek emergency care immediately.
• Persistent chest pain or pressure — go to the hospital right away.
• New confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips/face — call emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue.
• Guidance on COVID-19 testing and isolation procedures.
• Monitoring symptom progression remotely for stable patients.
• Providing advice on managing symptoms with home care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulties or respiratory distress.
• Chest pain or pressure indicating possible heart or lung complications.
• Neurological symptoms like confusion or loss of consciousness.
• Medical emergencies requiring immediate physical examination or intervention.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It mainly affects your lungs and breathing but can involve other parts of the body. Symptoms often include fever, cough, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell. Many people recover without needing hospital care.

When to use telemedicine for COVID-19

Telemedicine can help if you have mild symptoms or need advice about testing and isolation. You can speak with healthcare providers remotely to get guidance on managing symptoms, when to get tested, and how to protect others. This reduces the risk of spreading the virus and helps you get support safely from home.

Red flags: When to seek in-person care

Some symptoms mean you should get urgent medical help in person. These include:

If you or someone you care for has these signs, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Preparing for a telemedicine visit

Before your tele-visit, prepare to make the most of your time:

What happens after a telemedicine visit?

Your healthcare provider may suggest:

Always follow their advice and contact them if your condition changes.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your current symptoms and when they began.
• Gather information about your medical history and medications.
• Have a thermometer and pulse oximeter (if available) ready to provide readings.
• Ensure you have a reliable phone or internet connection.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Monitor your symptoms regularly and note any changes.
• Isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red-flag symptoms develop.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits if recommended.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose COVID-19?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and recommend if you need testing, but they cannot perform a physical test or confirm diagnosis remotely. Testing usually requires a lab or rapid test done in person.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse during home care?

If you notice worsening difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face, seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for a telemedicine appointment if these red flags appear.

Is it safe to manage COVID-19 symptoms at home?

Many people with mild COVID-19 symptoms recover safely at home with rest, fluids, and monitoring. Telemedicine can help guide you through this process and advise when to get in-person care.

How can I protect others if I have COVID-19?

Stay isolated in a separate room if possible, wear a mask around others, wash your hands frequently, and clean commonly touched surfaces daily. Follow local health guidelines on isolation duration.

Sources

1. COVID-19 Overview — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Advice for the Public — World Health Organization (WHO).
4. COVID-19: When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.