Waterhouse-friderichsen 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is always a medical emergency.
Call emergency services now if someone has a fever or suspected infection together with any of the following:
A red, purple, or bruise-like rash that does not fade under pressure
Confusion, extreme sleepiness, collapse, or difficulty waking
Trouble breathing, very fast breathing, or blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin
Cold hands and feet with severe weakness or worsening illness
A seizure
Signs of shock, such as fainting or very low blood pressure
Someone with known adrenal insufficiency should follow their emergency steroid plan during significant illness.
Persistent vomiting, collapse, confusion, or inability to keep replacement medicine down needs emergency help.
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
Do not wait for all symptoms to appear.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Do not delay while repeatedly checking a rash or trying to obtain a routine appointment.
Routine appointments are appropriate after recovery for monitoring adrenal function, reviewing medicines, updating vaccinations, and addressing lasting physical or emotional effects.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Waterhouse-friderichsen syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.