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Warning-sign checks

Salmonellosis: 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 collapse, severe confusion, trouble breathing, blue or mottled skin, or other signs of possible sepsis.

    Sepsis is a dangerous whole-body response to infection.

    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 diarrhea or vomiting is not improving after a couple of days, or sooner if you are at higher risk of serious illness.

    Medical advice is also appropriate for blood in the stool, a high or persistent fever, severe stomach pain, or difficulty keeping fluids down.

    Seek prompt advice for a baby, an older adult, or someone with a weakened immune system who develops possible salmonellosis.

    These groups can become dehydrated or develop invasive infection more quickly.

    Get urgent medical help for signs of significant dehydration, including:

    • Very little or no urine
    • Repeated fainting or severe dizziness
    • Inability to drink or keep fluids down
    • Unusual sleepiness, weakness, or confusion
    • A baby with very few wet diapers or difficulty waking

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