Pneumonia due to COVID-19

COVID-19 pneumonia may cause cough, fever, chills, tiredness and shortness of breath. Breathing can become harder because inflamed air sacs do not move oxygen as efficiently. Symptoms can vary, and a person may need clinical assessment even when the cough is mild. COVID-19 is contagious, so respiratory precautions matter while infection is active; pneumonia itself is the lung complication, not a separate germ that spreads.

Rest, drink fluids, monitor your breathing and follow local medical advice about testing and staying away from others. Avoid smoking and vaping. Take only medicines recommended for you, since treatment depends on symptom severity, timing and other health conditions. Contact a clinician early if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, older, or living with heart or lung disease.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pressure, inability to stay awake or inability to drink. Worsening breathing after an initial period of stability also needs prompt review. Very low oxygen symptoms can be difficult to judge by appearance alone, so use a clinician-provided monitor correctly if one has been recommended.

Ask how to monitor breathing, which treatments are suitable for your risk profile, how long to limit contact, and when a follow-up examination is needed.