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Warning-sign checks

Typhoid: 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 urgent or emergency help for:

    • Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
    • A hard, swollen, or very tender abdomen
    • Blood in the stool, black stool, or vomiting blood
    • Confusion, extreme drowsiness, collapse, or fainting
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Very little urine, inability to drink, or other signs of severe dehydration
    • Cold or mottled skin with marked weakness or dizziness

    These symptoms can indicate bleeding, bowel perforation, severe dehydration, or problems with circulation.

    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 for a persistent fever after travel to, or residence in, a place where typhoid is common.

    Mention recent travel, food and water exposures, vaccination, and any antibiotics already taken.

    Malaria and other serious infections may need to be ruled out.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may also include culture tests and public health advice about work, school, or food preparation.

The article also says

If you have been diagnosed with typhoid, contact the service caring for you if fever or other symptoms are not improving, return after treatment, or become worse.

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