Legionnaires disease: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if you have:

   • Severe difficulty breathing or cannot speak in full sentences
   • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • New confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking
   • Fainting or collapse
   • Severe or persistent chest pressure
   • Rapid worsening with cold, clammy, or mottled skin
   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop fever, cough, breathlessness, or marked weakness that could be pneumonia.

   This is particularly important if you are over 50, have a weakened immune system, have a long-term lung condition, or recently stayed in a hotel, hospital, or care facility.

   If you are already taking antibiotics, contact the treating service promptly if symptoms are worsening, you cannot keep fluids or medicines down, or you are not improving as expected.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate when you are steadily improving but still have tiredness, a mild cough, or reduced stamina.

   Arrange a non-emergency review if these symptoms are not gradually easing or interfere with normal activities.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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