When patients become seriously ill, their state worsens about 7-10 days after symptoms begin; the worsening is often noticeable in the form of increasing respiratory distress.

For this reason it is important that a doctor checks how the illness is progressing right from the start, especially in patients with risk factors for severe illness.

If, after 7 to 10 days, the symptoms have not improved or have become worse (especially fever and respiratory distress), it is often advisable for further examinations and treatment to be carried out in hospital.

Further information about the course and treatment of the illness is available from the Robert Koch Institute.

A short film by APS, the patient safety alliance, shows how you can prepare for a stay in hospital.

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