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Warning-sign checks

Congenital rubella: 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 if a baby or child:

    • Is struggling to breathe, has pauses in breathing, or has blue or grey lips
    • Is difficult to wake or suddenly becomes unresponsive
    • Has a seizure that lasts several minutes or repeated seizures without recovering
    • Collapses or develops a sudden major change in alertness

    These concerns usually require a timely appointment rather than emergency care unless the child is acutely unwell.

    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 urgent medical assessment if a baby is feeding much less than usual, sweating or breathing rapidly during feeds, producing fewer wet diapers, becoming increasingly yellow, or developing unexplained bleeding or widespread purple spots.

    These signs can have several causes but need prompt attention.

    If you are pregnant and develop a rash or have close contact with someone who may have rubella, contact your maternity service or public health service promptly.

    Call before attending in person so that staff can reduce the chance of exposing other pregnant people.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Keep routine follow-up appointments even when the child seems well.

    Hearing loss, eye changes, thyroid problems, and developmental needs may not cause clear early symptoms.

The article also says

Contact the child's regular healthcare team soon if you notice a change in hearing, vision, balance, growth, feeding, or development.

Loss of a skill the child previously had also needs assessment.

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