Generic Red Flags

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 If you experience any of the following symptoms, attend your nearest Emergency Department as quickly and safely as possible. You may need to call 999 for an ambulance or arrange alternative transport, such as a friend, relative, taxi, or ride-share.

• Unexplained drowsiness or blackout.
• Sudden confusion (in someone who is usually alert).
• A fit, seizure, or convulsion (unless you have epilepsy and it is typical for you).
• New weakness on one side of the body (e.g., facial droop, weakness in an arm or leg).

• Anyone with a low temperature of 35.9°C or less 
• Temperature of 37.5°C or more and being treated for cancer or is immunocompromised*.
• Anyone with a high temperature (38.0°C or more) and the fever is not relieved with anti-pyretics (i.e. Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen)

• New or sudden-onset central chest pain.
• Severe breathlessness, making it difficult to complete a full sentence.

• A rash that does not fade when pressed.
• Blood actively "pumping" from a wound, injury, or orifice.

Note: These symptoms can indicate serious medical conditions and should never be ignored. Arriving at the Emergency Department promptly can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

Sometimes referred to as being "immunosuppressed", refers to a persons immune system not working normally. This means they are at high risk of infection. Below are examples of conditions/reason for being or becoming immunocompromised -

• Certain medicines (e.g. long term steroids; chemotherapy; certain rheumatology medicines (such as methotrexate); anti-rejection medicines post-transplant)
• Cancer (any type) 
• Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus 
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Late Stage HIV (previously known as  Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Certain blood disorders (e.g. neutropenia, leukaemia) 
• Sickle cell disorder
• Spleen problems/disorders (or having a medical history of splenectomy)