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Warning-sign checks

Cat-scratch disease: 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

    Seek emergency care for:

    • A seizure, severe confusion, or difficulty waking
    • Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or loss of coordination
    • Sudden or major loss of vision
    • Trouble breathing, fainting, or severe chest pain
    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

    People with a weakened immune system should seek medical advice promptly after developing possible symptoms.

    They may need earlier testing, closer monitoring, or specialist care.

    Arrange an urgent medical assessment for eye pain, significant eye redness, new blurred vision, persistent fever with worsening illness, severe abdominal pain, or a severe headache.

    A hot, rapidly worsening area of redness around a bite or scratch may indicate a different skin infection and also needs prompt evaluation.

    These symptoms are not specific to cat-scratch disease, but they can indicate a serious problem that should not wait for routine follow-up.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may be recommended to confirm that fever has settled and lymph nodes are gradually becoming smaller.

    Contact a clinician if a node continues to enlarge, becomes increasingly painful, drains fluid, or does not improve as expected.

    Follow-up is also appropriate if symptoms return after initial improvement or if the diagnosis remains uncertain.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cat-scratch disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.