sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Redwater 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

    Call emergency services if there is:

    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • New confusion, fainting, or difficulty waking
    • Chest pain or collapse
    • Blue or grey lips or skin
    • Heavy bleeding or rapidly worsening weakness

    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 fever, chills, unusual weakness, jaundice, or dark urine after possible tick exposure.

    Mention recent travel, outdoor activity, blood transfusions, and whether you have a spleen.

    Seek same-day medical advice if symptoms are worsening or if you have dark urine with reduced urination, increasing breathlessness, marked dizziness, or a fast heartbeat.

    People without a working spleen or with a severely weakened immune system should seek prompt assessment for fever even if other symptoms seem mild.

    Routine testing immediately after a bite may not detect a new infection.

    A healthcare professional can advise whether observation or later testing is appropriate based on the exposure and your health risks.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus

The article also says

A tick bite without symptoms is not usually an emergency.

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