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
Call emergency services now if you or someone else has a fever or suspected infection and is rapidly becoming very unwell, especially with:
A red, purple, or bruise-like rash that does not fade under pressure
Confusion, unusual behavior, extreme sleepiness, or difficulty waking
Fast or difficult breathing
Cold hands and feet with pale, gray, or mottled skin
Severe limb, muscle, joint, or abdominal pain
Fainting, collapse, or signs of very low blood pressure
A stiff neck, severe headache, light sensitivity, or seizures
If the person is severely unwell, use emergency transport rather than driving them yourself.
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
Do not wait for every symptom or for a rash to appear.
After discharge, seek urgent medical advice for a new fever, worsening breathlessness, reduced urine, increasing wound redness, new skin discoloration, or a sudden decline in alertness.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for persistent fatigue, pain, sleep problems, scars, difficulty returning to usual activities, or emotional symptoms that are not rapidly worsening.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Meningococcemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.