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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for:
Severe trouble breathing
Fainting, confusion, or extreme weakness
Severe chest, back, or abdominal pain
Very little or no urine
Heavy or unexplained bleeding
Signs of shock, such as cold clammy skin or marked dizziness
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
During a transfusion, report any new symptom immediately.
This includes fever, chills, pain, nausea, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or a sudden sense that something is wrong.
Staff can stop the transfusion and assess you.
After leaving the hospital, contact the transfusion service or your healthcare team promptly if you develop fever, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, increasing weakness, or unexpected shortness of breath in the days or weeks after a transfusion.
Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are new, worsening, or severe.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up may include planned blood counts and kidney tests when you otherwise feel stable.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hemolytic transfusion reaction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.