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 medical care if the child is confused, extremely sleepy, difficult to wake, has a seizure, vomits blood, or has heavy unexplained bleeding.
These symptoms can indicate severe liver dysfunction or another serious condition.
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
Protection after a recent exposure may be time-sensitive, so do not wait for symptoms.
Contact the child’s usual healthcare team promptly for:
New jaundice or dark urine
Persistent vomiting or poor fluid intake
Increasing abdominal pain or swelling
Unusual bruising or bleeding
A marked change in energy, appetite, or behaviour
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical advice if a child may have been exposed to infected blood, has missed hepatitis B vaccinations, or lives with someone who has recently been diagnosed.
Routine monitoring appointments are not emergencies, but they should not be skipped.
A child can have changing liver inflammation without obvious symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hepatitis B - children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.