Marine Stings and Scrapes
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Are you having a serious reaction to a jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war sting?
See significance of a serious reaction to a sting if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have mild difficulty breathing or wheezing that is getting worse?
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Yes Are you having trouble walking or standing?
Yes Do you feel weak all over?
Yes Do you feel very sleepy or are you having a hard time staying awake?
Yes Do you have a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher?
Yes Do you think that you have a high fever, but you are unable to measure your temperature?
Yes Have you had sudden swelling that is rapidly increasing at the site of the sting or anywhere else, such as swelling across 2 large joints?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you vomited 3 or more times within 1 hour of being stung?
Yes Do you have a fever?
Yes Do you have moderate pain?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had vomited 3 or more times in 24 hours, but you are still able to keep down some fluids or food?
Yes Have you had vomiting that comes and goes for longer than 48 hours and is getting worse?
Yes Have you had mild pain for 48 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had muscle spasms, muscle cramps, joint pain, or aching all over for 48 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had symptoms of mild dehydration for 48 hours or longer?
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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: September 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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