There are some COVID-19 symptoms that arent normal.

When you have aCOVID-19 infection, youre told to isolate and stay away from others until youre better.

Syra Madad, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Harvards Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Person holding a cup while sitting on a couch covered in a blanket, appearing to feel unwell, in a home office setting. No other identifiable persons

Mahdee Sobhanie, an infectious diseases physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Sobhanie also noted that chest pain is another red-flag-symptom that should trigger an ER visit.

The same goes for blue-ish colored lips, Madad said.

A woman sits on a bed wrapped in a blanket, looking at a thermometer, with framed artwork and a plant in the background

Problems like lightheadedness, confusion or dizziness require immediate medical attention as well.

Finally, pay attention to high fevers over 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

If youre ever unsure, its always best to seek help right away as a precaution.

A person holds a COVID-19 rapid test in their hand, displaying a QR code and a positive test result. Documents and a phone are visible on the table in the background

If you are high-risk, you should contact your doctor as soon as you test positive.

I think also you have to be very aware of what other underlying conditions you have.

If your general symptoms get worse, you should let your doctor know.

A healthcare worker with short, gray hair uses a stethoscope to check the heart rate of a patient wearing a ponytail, both of them wearing surgical masks

From there, people tend to get better.

All in all, its never a bad idea to inform your doctor of your COVID infection.

Chat with your doctor to see if you qualify for the medication.

An older woman in a casual outfit and mask sits on a medical examination table while a healthcare provider in a lab coat and mask speaks to her

For those who are eligible, theres low-cost and even free COVID testing and treatment available.

This program helps underinsured or uninsured people connect with medical treatments and services from home, Madad added.

Additionally, the government reopened its free COVID test program, so tests can beordered online.

Healthcare professional administering a vaccine to a seated woman in a medical clinic. Both are wearing face masks

Sobhanie stressed that its important to have home tests available, for the sake of others and for yourself.

Vaccination, masking and social distancing remain important ways to stay healthy.

The goal of the shot is to reduce the severity of the illness, not prevent it entirely.

Sobhanie said its not too late in the season to get your COVID vaccine.

(The CDC saysyou should wait three months after infection to get vaccinated.)

Beyond vaccination, Madad recommended going back to the Swiss cheese model of COVID defense.

Thats something that weve all been used to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Swiss cheese model is layers of infection prevention that youre stacking upon each other.

As we know, no one layer is 100% protective, Madad said.

Its not too late to get vaccinated.

Youre going to continue to see [high] levels of this respiratory viral activity, Madad said.