Symptoms of Serious Illness

Immediate medical care may be needed if a headache, vomiting, fever, or a seizure occurs along with another serious illness. Symptoms of a serious illness include:

  • Severe neck stiffness or pain.
  • Confusion or extreme irritability.
  • Extreme sleepiness.
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  • Unsteadiness that prevents standing or walking (ataxia or vertigo).
  • New double vision, blurred vision, or blind spots.
  • Very rapid, difficult breathing.
  • Severe pain.
  • New and different skin rash or severe bruises.
  • New swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one or more joints.

Current as of: March 20, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & A. Evan Eyler, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Psychiatry