Pneumonia - weakened immune system: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if you have:
Severe difficulty breathing or cannot speak normally because of breathlessness
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
New confusion, collapse, or difficulty waking
Severe or rapidly worsening chest pain
Signs of shock, such as cold clammy skin with marked weakness
A dangerously low oxygen reading based on your emergency plan
These signs can indicate low oxygen, sepsis, or another serious problem.
Do not drive yourself if you are severely unwell.
And for anyone, someone who:
has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
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 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 you have a weakened immune system, contact your medical team promptly for a new cough, fever, increasing breathlessness, chest pain, or an unexplained decline in energy.
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe.
A normal temperature does not rule out a significant infection.
Get same-day medical advice for worsening symptoms, repeated vomiting, difficulty taking prescribed medicines, blood in your mucus, reduced urination, or an oxygen reading below the action level given in your care plan.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
And for anyone, someone who:
is more tired or breathless than usual doing things they used to manage
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pneumonia - weakened immune system. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.