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Warning-sign checks

Severe acute respiratory syndrome: 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 for:

    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • New confusion, collapse, or extreme drowsiness
    • Severe or persistent chest pain
    • Signs of very low oxygen, if you are monitoring it under medical advice

    Tell the emergency service about any possible SARS exposure.

    This helps responders protect you and others.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    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 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

    Seek prompt medical advice if you develop fever or breathing symptoms after:

    • Close contact with someone confirmed to have SARS
    • Working with SARS-CoV-1 in a laboratory
    • Being in an area where public health authorities have reported transmission
    • Receiving instructions to monitor for SARS symptoms

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Explain the possible exposure so staff can arrange appropriate infection-control measures.

    Do not use public transport if public health officials have told you to isolate.

The article also says

In the absence of a recognized outbreak or relevant exposure, fever and cough are unlikely to be SARS.

They can still need medical advice, particularly if symptoms are persistent or worsening.

Contact the service before arriving at a clinic or hospital.

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