The pandemic has caused a lot of paranoia in the general public. It’s understandable when a long list of mild symptoms can be attributed to a COVID-19 infection. However, it’s important to be reminded that there is no need to panic. One of the best things you can do for your health is to equip yourself with the proper information.
When to Consult a Doctor
During a stay-at-home situation like the ongoing pandemic, it may be difficult to determine when a visit to the doctor’s office is appropriate or needed. Healthcare professionals are spread thin, hospitals and clinics are full, and the outdoors are unsafe. This article aims to enumerate some situations wherein seeing a doctor could be in your best interest.
1. Symptoms are New and Sudden
A sudden and unexplained development of flu-like symptoms or signs of infection is a cause for concern. It’s possible you’ve been exposed to a new strain of virus, or you could be experiencing an adverse reaction to a new medication. For cases like these, a trip to the doctor is warranted.
2. Symptoms Persist
Your symptoms will likely get better over the course of a few days, provided you stay warm and indoors. However, if your symptoms persist and remain bothersome without any sign of improvement, you may want to contact a doctor.
3. High-Grade Fever
While a fever is a common symptom of a viral infection, a high-grade fever is an indication of a more severe infection. A low-grade fever is present when a person’s temperature is 99 degrees Fahrenheit or below. On the other hand, a high-grade fever is present when a person’s temperature is 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This fever is cause for concern, and something you should see your doctor about right away.
4. Immunocompromised Condition
When a person’s immune system is weakened or compromised, they are more prone to contracting and developing infections. If you have a condition that affects your body’s ability to fight off infections, it’s important to see a doctor upon the onset of symptoms.
5. Pneumonia, Respiratory Distress, or Shortness of Breath
When a person’s lungs are affected by the virus, they can experience a range of complications. Some of these complications include fever, respiratory distress, and shortness of breath. If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor.
6. Severe Pain
If you experience severe pain or pain that is not responding to over-the-counter medication, it is a good idea to see a doctor. A doctor can run tests, provide more information, and prescribe medication that may help. Pain is not something to be ignored.
Conclusion
If you have the flu, it’s best to stay home and rest. Be more mindful of symptoms than fevers, and understand that low-grade fevers aren’t any cause for concern. However, if you feel something else might be causing your condition, don’t be afraid to consult your doctor.
As the pandemic rages on and the world continues to change, it is important to keep up with the information that is being released. This is crucial in understanding what you can do to protect everyone around you. Safety should still be a top priority and doctors are here to help you ensure it.
Take proper care of yourself with the help of direct care providers in Tyrone, GA. Consult with healthcare providers from Healthsprings Direct, a direct primary care practice providing high-quality, convenient, technologically advanced healthcare.