Topic Overview
Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:
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Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
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Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
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Medicines you take. Certain medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
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Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
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Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.
Credits
Current as of:
June 26, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine