Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C), particularly if accompanied by chills or shaking.
Seek medical care if your infection shows no improvement after 48-72 hours of home treatment with over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever and pain relief.
Severe, unrelenting pain, such as an intense sore throat hindering swallowing or a throbbing earache, warrants immediate attention.
If your wound from an injury shows signs of infection–redness, swelling, increasing pain, pus, or red streaks extending from the wound–go to the doctor or emergency room immediately. This may indicate a serious infection needing immediate antibiotics.
Difficulty breathing or chest pain are serious symptoms requiring prompt emergency medical care, as it can indicate pneumonia or a potentially life-threatening infection.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially in young children or the elderly, requires medical evaluation as dehydration can be a life-threatening complication.
Any symptoms that worry you or that you are unsure about should prompt a visit to your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections significantly improves outcomes.
