Thread by @danielgoyal

Prompt treatment of Covid-19 Pneumonia saves lives.

Here, our cross-discipline team reviews some of the signs and symptoms that suggest Covid-19 has progressed to Covid-19 Pneumonia.

Seek help sooner rather than later!

Summary thread
1/7
Share pls.

bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/8/1/e0…

The public should exercise the same judgement for who and when to contact if they are concerned as they did prior to the pandemic. Waiting until severely unwell neither helps patient or health service.

The majority of Covid-19 resolves without event. Typical symptoms are similar to the cold or flu and tend to start improving after two or three days.

Certain symptoms require urgent clinical contact:
➡️Shortness of breath
➡️Confusion
➡️Persistent, unremitting fever

NOTE: breathing problems are not a 'normal' part of Covid-19; you must seek urgent clinical care.

Silent Hypoxia
Covid-19 pneumonia sometimes causes low oxygen levels without the feeling of breathlessness. This requires urgent medical attention.
Silent hypoxia may cause confusion or severe fatigue, but can only be reliably detected using a pulse oximeter (oxygen monitor).

Some countries have 'home monitoring' services. In England, for example:

If you are over 65yrs OR are at high risk, AND have symptomatic COVID-19 you are eligible for home oxygen monitoring (via GP/111).

If not, you can buy a (accredited) pulse oximeter.

And remember, "...if your condition worsens, do not wait but act immediately."
Delayed presentation of Covid-19 Pneumonia leads to poorer outcomes and a higher healthcare burden.
Stay safe. Look after yourself...and each other.
END

A1. Summary Table
Thanks to my co-investigators: @mattinadakim @DanLasserson @Brianmckinstry @FatmaMansab @adeebnaasan @stephenrthomas1 ...