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 care for confusion, marked drowsiness, a severe headache with neck stiffness or light sensitivity, or rapidly worsening illness.
A newborn with fever, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, breathing trouble, seizures, or blisters needs immediate emergency assessment, especially after possible herpes exposure around birth.
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
Arrange a routine or prompt appointment for new genital blisters, ulcers, or unexplained pain.
A fresh sore offers the best chance of an accurate swab.
Seek advice promptly for a first outbreak because early antiviral treatment may help.
Contact a clinician promptly if:
Sores are not healing or keep returning
Pain is difficult to manage
You have a weakened immune system
You may have been exposed to another sexually transmitted infection
Herpes is causing significant anxiety or relationship difficulties
You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or develop symptoms during pregnancy
Seek urgent same-day care if you cannot pass urine, have severe genital swelling, develop widespread sores, or have a painful red eye, blurred vision, or strong sensitivity to light.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Genital herpes. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.