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 for severe breathing difficulty, crushing or persistent chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, a seizure, sudden confusion, or stroke-like symptoms such as facial drooping, arm weakness or difficulty speaking.
Emergency care is for sudden or severe symptoms, not for every change in fatigue or joint discomfort.
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
Seek prompt, same-day medical advice for:
New swelling around the eyes, legs or feet
Blood in the urine or a major reduction in urine
Persistent fever, especially during immune-suppressing treatment
A new painful or swollen leg
New chest pain or shortness of breath
Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant while taking lupus medicines
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if symptoms are gradually worsening, a rash keeps returning, joint swelling persists or fatigue is interfering with daily life.
If you already have lupus, report possible flare symptoms rather than waiting for the next routine review.
Routine monitoring remains important when you feel well.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Systemic lupus erythematosus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.