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
Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, new confusion, or a very rapid heartbeat with marked weakness.
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
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if:
You are pregnant or planning pregnancy and may have folate deficiency
Symptoms are worsening despite treatment
You have persistent diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or other signs of poor absorption
You develop numbness, tingling, balance problems, confusion, or vision changes
These symptoms may have another cause but require urgent assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have ongoing tiredness, weakness, pale skin, breathlessness during activity, a sore tongue, or repeated mouth ulcers.
Seek assessment if a previous folate deficiency may have returned.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Folate-deficiency anemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.