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Warning-sign checks

Herpetic stomatitis: 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 confusion, a seizure, severe weakness, difficulty waking, or a severe headache with marked illness.

    These symptoms can have several causes but require immediate assessment.

    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

    Arrange prompt medical advice if mouth pain is making it difficult to drink, symptoms are severe, or the diagnosis is uncertain.

    Early assessment is also appropriate for a baby, someone with a weakened immune system, or a person with extensive eczema.

    Seek urgent medical care for:

    • Much less urine, a very dry mouth, no tears, dizziness, or unusual drowsiness
    • Inability to swallow fluids or repeated vomiting
    • Sores that are spreading quickly or not beginning to improve
    • Increasing swelling, pus, or a new fever after initial improvement
    • Painful blisters on a finger or spreading sores over areas of eczema

    Eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or a red, watery eye after possible HSV exposure needs same-day urgent assessment.

    Do not place contact lenses in the affected eye.

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