Go to the emergency room or call emergency services immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Chest pain or pressure. High fever (above 102°F or 39°C). Severe chills. Confusion or disorientation. Bluish discoloration of your lips or fingertips (cyanosis). Persistent cough producing green, yellow, or bloody sputum.
Severe Symptoms Warranting Immediate Action
These symptoms indicate a potentially life-threatening situation requiring rapid medical intervention. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.
Less Severe, But Still Concerning Symptoms
Seek medical attention within 24 hours if you experience:
A worsening cough. Increasing fatigue. Persistent fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C). Muscle aches. Headache.
While these symptoms might not require immediate emergency care, they signal a need for medical evaluation and appropriate treatment to prevent the pneumonia from worsening.