Reye syndrome: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency medical help now if a child or teenager has repeated vomiting together with confusion, unusual behaviour, extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking, rapid breathing, a seizure, or loss of consciousness.

   This is especially important during or soon after a viral illness.

   Tell the emergency team about recent infections and all medicines taken, including non-prescription products.

   Bring the packaging if it is available.

   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

   Do not wait for jaundice or other signs of liver trouble.

   Reye syndrome can become severe without yellow skin or eyes.

   Contact the follow-up team sooner if recovery seems to reverse or new symptoms develop.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   After hospital discharge, routine follow-up is used to monitor liver recovery, neurological health, learning, behaviour, and rehabilitation needs.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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