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Warning-sign checks

Tuberculosis (TB): 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 medical care if you have:

    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • More than a small amount of coughed-up blood
    • Fainting, severe weakness, or signs of shock
    • A severe headache with confusion, neck stiffness, seizures, or unusual drowsiness
    • Swelling of the face or throat, widespread blistering rash, or breathing difficulty after medicine

    If possible, tell emergency staff that TB is suspected or being treated.

    They can use the right infection-control measures while caring for you.

    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 a prompt medical assessment if you have a cough lasting several weeks, especially with fever, night sweats, weight loss, chest pain, or blood-streaked mucus.

    You should also seek assessment if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB, even if you feel well.

    If you are taking TB medicines, contact your treatment team promptly about significant side effects, missed doses, or difficulty keeping the medicines down.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    This is routine follow-up and helps the team keep treatment safe and effective.

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