If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.
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health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
symptoms.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately.
You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may need immediate care. Call your health professional now to discuss your symptoms and arrange for your care.
Symptoms are likely to worsen without medical care.
If you do not have a health professional, seek emergency care.
Emergency transportation is not needed. However, if you are not able to travel safely either by driving yourself or having someone else drive you, call an ambulance.
You do not need to answer any of the other questions.
You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you need to call your health professional to discuss your symptoms and arrange for care.
An appointment today is usually needed.
Symptoms are unlikely to improve without medical care.
Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours.
You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may wait to see if your symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or the specified time period). If symptoms improve, no appointment is needed.
If symptoms do not improve after 24 hours (or the specified time period), an appointment within the next 24 hours is usually needed.
If appropriate, try home treatment to relieve your symptoms.
Check your symptoms in 24 hours, or sooner if there is any change.
Call your health professional if symptoms get worse.
Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.
If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
January 15, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
As nicer weather begins to roll around, many people will be springing into action, trying to get into shape. But before you begin flexing your muscles, make sure you’re stretching them too.
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