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Warning-sign checks

Tularemia: 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

    Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, severe chest pain, or difficulty waking.

    These signs can occur with serious lung infection, sepsis, or another medical emergency.

    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

    Seek prompt medical assessment if you develop fever or flu-like symptoms after a likely exposure, especially with:

    • A skin ulcer and nearby swollen lymph nodes
    • A painful, red eye after handling an animal
    • A severe sore throat after drinking untreated water
    • Cough, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath
    • Recent contact with a rabbit, hare, rodent, or animal carcass

    During treatment, contact the healthcare team promptly if fever continues, symptoms worsen, significant medicine side effects develop, or symptoms return.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Persistent tiredness or slowly shrinking lymph nodes can be discussed at routine follow-up if there are no new or worsening symptoms.

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