What to Do When Feeling Sick
If you are feeling sick with an acute illness and any abnormal signs or symptoms, you should urgently seek medical evaluation rather than waiting at home. 1
Immediate Action Required
You should consider an infection as the likely cause of your acute illness, and if associated with any abnormal signs or symptoms, urgently seek further medical evaluation. 1 This recommendation comes from the 2024 American Heart Association guidelines, which emphasize that while diagnosing specific conditions like sepsis is beyond what you can do yourself, recognizing that something is wrong and seeking care is critical. 1
Warning Signs That Demand Urgent Medical Attention
You should seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these red flag symptoms:
Severe Symptoms Requiring Emergency Care
- Reduced level of consciousness or new confusion 1, 2
- Difficulty or rapid breathing (respiratory rate >30/min) 1, 2
- Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down 1, 2
- Vomiting more than 4 times in 12 hours 1
- Low blood pressure (systolic <90 mmHg or drop of 20 mmHg) 1, 2
- Oxygen saturation <90% 2, 3
- Fainting or falls 1
Concerning Symptoms Requiring Prompt Medical Evaluation
- Persistent high fever (temperature >37.8°C lasting more than 4 days) 2, 3
- Heart rate >100/min 1, 2
- Respiratory rate >24/min 2, 3
- Worsening symptoms after initial improvement (suggests bacterial superinfection) 2, 3
- Severe muscle pain or extreme shivering 1
- New rash, mottled or discolored skin 1
- Severe earache or drowsiness 3
Self-Management Is Appropriate Only When:
You can manage at home temporarily (maximum 72 hours) if: 1
However, you must seek assistance from a healthcare provider if symptoms have not resolved within 72 hours, you feel you are not coping, or you cannot keep up with food or fluid intake. 1
Initial Self-Care Measures While Seeking Medical Evaluation
Monitoring
- Monitor your temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and general condition at least twice daily 1
- Track your fluid intake and urine output 1
- Watch for any of the warning signs listed above 1, 2
Hydration and Symptom Management
- Increase fluid intake with limited caffeine and consider electrolyte replacement solutions 1
- Use antipyretics (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for fever control 4
- Rest and avoid contact with others, especially high-risk individuals 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking care. 1 The 2024 guidelines emphasize that early medical evaluation is critical when you have an acute illness with abnormal symptoms, as conditions like sepsis can progress rapidly and early intervention significantly improves outcomes. 1
Do not assume you can accurately diagnose yourself. 1 Even trained clinicians find sepsis recognition challenging, and the definition continues to evolve. 1 Your role is to recognize that something is wrong and seek professional evaluation. 1
Do not delay seeking care if you have risk factors for complications, including age >65 years, diabetes, heart or lung disease, or immunocompromised status. 1, 2
When Antibiotics or Specific Treatments May Be Needed
Antibiotics are not routinely needed for uncomplicated viral illnesses 2, 3, but your healthcare provider may prescribe them if:
- You develop worsening symptoms suggesting bacterial superinfection 2, 3
- You have pneumonia or other bacterial complications 1
- You are at high risk for complications 1
Antiviral medications (like oseltamivir for influenza) are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset 2, 3, which is another reason to seek care early rather than waiting. 2
Documentation and Communication
When you seek medical care, be prepared to provide: