Tracking your daily symptoms can help you and your doctors make better decisions about whether a hospital visit is needed.

"But what if you don’t have a home pulse oximeter to monitor your health? The devices are now in short supply or can take weeks to be delivered.

Some medical practices are sending their patients home kits that include pulse oximeters, so check with your doctor about how you might be monitored. Ask friends now if they have a pulse oximeter so you have a plan in place to borrow one for two weeks should you get sick (the device is easily sanitized).

If you are still feeling lousy a week into your illness and don’t have a pulse oximeter, you can also check in with an urgent care clinic and ask them to check your oxygen level...

Tracking your daily symptoms can help you and your doctors make better decisions about whether a hospital visit is needed.

"But what if you don’t have a home pulse oximeter to monitor your health? The devices are now in short supply or can take weeks to be delivered.

Some medical practices are sending their patients home kits that include pulse oximeters, so check with your doctor about how you might be monitored. Ask friends now if they have a pulse oximeter so you have a plan in place to borrow one for two weeks should you get sick (the device is easily sanitized).

If you are still feeling lousy a week into your illness and don’t have a pulse oximeter, you can also check in with an urgent care clinic and ask them to check your oxygen level...