sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Arbovirus A chikungunya type: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency care is appropriate for breathing difficulty, confusion, seizures, fainting, severe dehydration, major bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or rapid worsening.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    These warning signs should not wait for a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Many people can have routine follow-up with a primary care clinician after the fever settles.

    Follow-up is especially useful if joint pain limits daily activities, symptoms return, or recovery is slower than expected.

    A follow-up visit may include another examination and, when appropriate, repeat blood tests.

    Persistent joint symptoms may require evaluation for ongoing chikungunya-related inflammation or another condition that can cause arthritis.

The article also says

Contact a clinician if:

Fever continues, returns, or is accompanied by new symptoms

Joint pain or swelling remains significant after the acute illness

Pain prevents walking, working, sleeping, or completing daily tasks

New weakness, numbness, vision changes, or severe headaches develop

There are concerns about medicine side effects

An infant, older adult, or pregnant person has been exposed or becomes unwell

Before future travel, ask about current outbreak information and mosquito-bite prevention.

A travel health professional can also determine whether vaccination should be considered under current recommendations.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Arbovirus A chikungunya type. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.