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Warning-sign checks

Zika virus disease: 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

    Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, rapidly worsening weakness, fainting, confusion, or inability to stay awake.

    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

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop possible Zika symptoms after relevant travel, mosquito exposure, or sex with someone who may have been exposed.

    Seek urgent medical care for new tingling, increasing muscle weakness, difficulty walking, facial weakness, or trouble swallowing.

    These can be signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

    Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, or marked drowsiness also need urgent assessment.

    These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated Zika and may suggest dengue or another illness requiring prompt care.

The article also says

Prompt, non-emergency advice is particularly important if:

You are pregnant or could be pregnant

You are planning a pregnancy after possible exposure

A newborn may have been exposed during pregnancy

Symptoms are worsening or not improving after about a week

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