If you’re asymptomatic, you can do a test at home and avoid a trip to the emergency department, say experts like Dr. Jeff Bahr, chief medical group officer for Advocate Aurora Health. And if you’re otherwise healthy and have mild symptoms, you can treat them at home. A positive case should always be followed by masking and isolating.
Your friend got it. Your uncle got it. And after the many gatherings you attended over the holidays, you may be wondering if you also have COVID-19.
However, if you’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath at rest or during mild activity, or if you have any underlying conditions like asthma, diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are being exacerbated, then it may be time to connect with your doctor, he said.
Resources like the LiveWell app can also help you point you in the right direction, whether that’s doing additional testing or being evaluated by a doctor. You can even check your symptoms online and get an idea of what steps to take next.
“Whether you’ve had a known exposure or not, if you have a fever, trouble breathing or an exacerbation or worsening of an existing diagnosis, or if you’re immunocompromised, you should seek care sooner rather than later so your health condition does not worsen and your need for additional healthcare resources does not increase by the time you present or interact with one of our healthcare professionals,” Dr. Bahr said.
