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
Suspected infection in a newborn is an emergency.
Seek immediate medical assessment if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or higher, unless the baby’s medical team has provided different instructions for a specific situation.
Emergency assessment is also needed for:
Difficult, fast, or paused breathing
Blue, grey, very pale, or markedly mottled skin
A seizure
Severe limpness or difficulty waking
A weak cry or little response to touch
Sudden refusal of feeds
Repeated vomiting
An unusually low temperature
Rapid worsening or a strong sense that the baby is seriously unwell
Call emergency services if the baby is struggling to breathe, turns blue, has a seizure, is unresponsive, or cannot be woken normally.
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
If listeriosis was diagnosed during pregnancy or found in the placenta, contact the newborn or maternity team promptly, even if the baby appears well.
The team may recommend examination, observation, or tests based on the circumstances.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for concerns about slower weight gain, feeding progress, hearing, movement, or developmental milestones when the baby is otherwise well.
Bring these concerns to the baby’s scheduled clinician, but seek earlier care if there is a sudden change.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Neonatal listeriosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.