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Warning-sign checks

Listeriosis: 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 for:

    • Confusion, difficulty waking, or loss of consciousness
    • A severe headache with a stiff neck
    • A seizure
    • Severe breathing difficulty
    • Blue, gray, or very pale skin
    • Signs of shock, such as fainting or cold, clammy skin

    A newborn with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, breathing problems, fever, or a low temperature needs immediate medical assessment.

    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

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating food recalled because of Listeria , especially if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have weakened immunity.

    During pregnancy, seek same-day medical advice for fever or flu-like symptoms after a possible exposure.

    Also seek urgent pregnancy assessment for vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, regular painful contractions, or noticeably reduced fetal movement.

    Get urgent medical help for persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, worsening fever, or unusual weakness.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    People in higher-risk groups can contact a healthcare professional for routine advice about what to watch for.

The article also says

If you ate a recalled food but feel well, this is not usually an emergency.

Follow the recall instructions and monitor for symptoms.

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