What You Should Know
Simptoms are often an expression of the body's attempt to heal itself.
If you or someone near you have emergency and professional help is needed, you should go (or call someone to take you) to the nearest emergency room. Emergencies would include: major trauma or injury (like head injury, deep wound, suspected broken bone, severe burn, eye injury, or animal bite), intolerable and uncontrollable pain, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, poisoning or drug overdose, loss of consciousness, seizure, persistent abdominal pain (especially if associated with nausea and vomiting), severe or vorsening reaction to an insect bite or sting, severe reaction to medication (especially if breathing is difficult).
A fever may be an attempt to make the body less hospitable to infectious agents.
Sometimes a single symptom is not cause for concern, but when the symptom is accompanied by other symptoms, the combination suggests a more serious problem. For example, a fever with a stiff neck suggests meningitis.
If your symptom is peculiar and unfamiliar, it is wise to check it with your health care provider. Example include: difficulty swallowing, numbness, weakness, unexplained lumps, changes in mole, problems with vision, blood in sputum, unexplained weight loss, blood in urine or stool.
If your symptom is persistent and lasts longer then expected seek medical advice.Examples for adults include: fever for more than 5 days, a cough lasting longer than 2 weeks, a hoarsness lasting longer than 3 weeks, and sore that doesn't heal within a month.
If your symptom is occurring often or repeatedly, medical evaluation is advised. Examples include recurrent stomach pains, headache and backache.