Dont start panicking if your O2 is at like 90. Stuff doesnt start to really go awry until 85. If it dips below 90 go to the ER. Also DO NOT let them put you on a ventilator!!!!! Ventilators are supposed to be a last ditch effort to keep someone alive. Not only do they cause scarring in the trachea but they also cause your brain to not tell your body how to breathe. Ask for a nasal cannula. Thats pure O2.
There are several steps between nasal canular and a vent. Humidified O2, high flow, comfort flow, mask, Bi pap. (Not boring you with the details here.)
And yes, try to avoid intubation but thankfully it's available. An ABG (Arterial blood gas) will tell you exactly how well your breathing (an over simplication, I know.) and if a vent is indicated.
If your offered a Inspirative Spirometer, use it. It's a pain and seems silly but it works and may spare you a tube. (Google it for instructions.)
IF your intubated, You will probably be given pain and sedation drips, to help your body relax and not fight the vent. When the doctor thinks your ready to be 'weaned' from the vent, they will have you do test to be sure you will be able to breath on your own.
The doctors, nurses and respiratatory therapist (the unsung heros of covid) have have plently of practice and therapies are getting better all the time.
This not to stress any one out but to let you know there are things they can do and give some insight to the pathways. But remember, I'm A nurse, not Your nurse. And I'm surely not your doctor so go with what they tell you. Good luck.
