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Warning-sign checks

Q fever: 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:

    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • New or severe chest pain
    • Confusion, collapse, or fainting
    • Coughing up blood
    • Sudden severe abdominal, chest, or back pain

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    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 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

    Arrange prompt medical advice if you develop fever, severe headache, marked tiredness, cough, or muscle aches after possible exposure to livestock, animal births, or farm dust.

    Mention the exposure because the symptoms can resemble many other infections.

    Seek prompt assessment if previous Q fever is followed by ongoing fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, worsening tiredness, or reduced exercise tolerance.

    These symptoms do not prove persistent infection, but they should be checked.

    Contact your maternity care team promptly if you are pregnant and may have been exposed, even if you have no symptoms.

    However, do not wait for a scheduled appointment if you develop rapidly worsening symptoms.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up blood tests and scans are not emergencies.

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