sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Deerfly fever: 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

    These concerns usually need timely review rather than emergency transport.

    Seek emergency care for:

    • Trouble breathing or new chest pain
    • Confusion, fainting, or difficulty staying awake
    • Severe weakness or inability to stand
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Signs of shock, such as cold clammy skin or very rapid breathing

    These symptoms can occur with severe infection and need immediate assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    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 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

    Arrange prompt medical assessment if you develop a fever with an unexplained skin ulcer or painful swollen lymph nodes, especially after:

    • A deer-fly or tick bite
    • Handling a rabbit, hare, rodent, or animal carcass
    • Mowing or brush-cutting near a dead animal
    • Drinking untreated surface water
    • Outdoor activity in an area where tularemia occurs

    Do not wait for a skin ulcer to appear if you are unwell after a high-risk exposure.

    Contact your healthcare professional promptly if treatment has started but fever is not improving, symptoms return, the ulcer is spreading, or a lymph node becomes increasingly painful, red, soft, or draining.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache

The article also says

Tell the healthcare professional about the possible exposure.

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