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Warning-sign checks

Cholera: 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

    Emergency care is needed for fainting, confusion, inability to drink, severe weakness, little or no urine, rapid breathing, or other signs of severe dehydration or shock.

    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 reassessment if diarrhea continues, vomiting prevents drinking, urine remains reduced, or symptoms return after initial improvement.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may include reviewing hydration, nutrition, kidney function, or electrolyte levels, especially after severe illness or hospitalization.

    A clinician may also discuss when it is safe to return to food handling, healthcare, childcare, or other work covered by local public health rules.

The article also says

A person who improves with treatment should continue replacing fluid losses until diarrhea stops.

Normal feeding should restart as tolerated.

Weakness and thirst should steadily improve, and urine should become more regular.

Household members do not usually need preventive antibiotics.

They should watch for diarrhea, follow careful hand hygiene, and use safe food and water.

Public health officials may recommend additional measures during an outbreak.

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