Symptoms and treatment awareness: when to rest, when to call, when to go

The most useful thing a symptom guide can do is help you sort. Some symptoms mean rest and fluids. Some mean call your clinician today, especially if you're older or have a chronic condition. And some mean call 911 now: trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure that won't stop, new confusion, or lips turning blue or gray.

Treatment matters too, but not the way social media tends to talk about it. Antivirals for COVID-19 and flu exist, and they generally work best when started early. Whether one is right for you depends on your age, health and timing, which is a decision for someone who can examine you.

This section explains the options so you know what to ask about. It never tells you what to take, and it never suggests an unproven cure.