Feeling Unwell but Not an Emergency: How to Decide What to Do Next

Man feeling unwell.

Summary

This guide is for those days when you feel clearly unwell, but it does not feel like a 999 moment. It will help you work out what you can safely do at home, when to speak to a pharmacist or GP, and when it might be helpful to see a consultant physician in person or online. You will also find a clear list of “red flag” symptoms that mean you should stop reading and seek urgent help instead.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for you if:

1. You feel unwell enough to be worried, but you are not collapsed on the floor.

2. You are unsure whether to wait for your GP, go to a walk-in service, pay privately, or just “see how it goes”.

3. You are tired of scrolling through worst-case scenarios online and want something more sensible.

If you are already sure you need an ambulance or A&E, this guide is not for you. Put the phone down and dial 999 instead.

Red flag checklist: when to seek urgent help

If any of the following apply, do not self-manage, do not book a routine appointment, and do not rely on an online guide. You need an urgent assessment.

Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if you have:

1. Sudden, severe chest pain, especially if it is heavy, crushing or going into your arm, jaw or back.

2. Severe difficulty breathing, speaking only in single words, or blue lips or face.

3. New weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, or sudden confusion.

4. Collapse, blackouts, seizures or you are hard to wake.

5. Heavy bleeding that will not stop.

6. Sudden, severe pain in your abdomen, back or head.

7. Any symptom that feels completely out of character and is getting dramatically worse over minutes or hours.

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, getting worse quickly, or you think it might be life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.

Common reasons for feeling generally unwell

Once you have ruled out obvious red flags, there are several broad groups of reasons why you might feel “just not right”. This is not a complete list, but it covers common patterns.

1. Short-lived or self-limiting problems

   
   

    • Simple viral infections, mild food poisoning, poor sleep, stress, or a short run of overwork.

   
   

    • These often settle with rest, fluids, and a few days of lighter activity.

2. Stable long-term conditions that are not well controlled

   
   

    • High blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, anaemia or low vitamin levels.

   
   

    • You may feel tired, “washed out”, breathless on effort or just off your usual baseline.

   
   

    • Blood tests and blood pressure checks are often needed to see what is happening.

3. New medical problems that need proper review

   
   

    • Heart rhythm issues causing palpitations or dizzy spells.

   
   

    • Lung problems leading to breathlessness or persistent cough.

   
   

    • Infections that are not settling, or worrying weight loss and night sweats.

   
   

    • These do not always need A&E, but they do require a structured assessment rather than months of waiting and hoping.

4. Mixed physical and emotional strain

   
   

    • Poor sleep, ongoing stress, anxiety, and low mood can all make physical symptoms worse.

   
   

    • It is still important to check for physical illness before writing everything off as “just stress”.

Your job is not to diagnose yourself. Your job is to notice patterns, look for red flags and decide which route to care makes sense.

What you can safely do at home for now

If you have no red flag features and are managing day to day, a few simple steps can help while you organise a proper review.

1. Rest and pacing

   
   

    • Cut back slightly on heavy activity for a few days.

   
   

    • Avoid “all or nothing” behaviour where you crash at the weekend and overdo things during the week.

2. Hydration, food and sleep

   
   

    • Drink regularly, especially if you have had diarrhoea, vomiting or fevers.

   
   

    • Try small, regular meals rather than forcing large ones.

   
   

    • Aim for a regular sleep routine, even if you cannot sleep perfectly.

3. Simple tracking

   
   

    • Keep a short symptom diary for a week: time of day, what you were doing, what made things better or worse.

   
   

    • Note any weight change, fevers, palpitations or breathlessness.

4. Check the basics if you can

   
   

    • If you have a home blood pressure machine, use it properly and write down readings.

   
   

    • If you have a thermometer or home pulse oximeter, record numbers rather than guessing.

   
   
   
   

5. Pharmacy support

   
   

    • A community pharmacist can advise on simple pain relief and symptom control for minor illness.

If symptoms are steadily improving over a few days, simple self-care may be enough. If you are stuck in the same place for weeks or slowly sinking, it is time for someone to step back and look at the whole picture.

When and how to seek non-emergency medical help

Deciding who to see is often the hardest part. A simple way to think about it:

1. Try your usual GP first

   
   

    • Your GP knows your background, medications and history.

   
   

    • Many problems can be managed fully in general practice, even if there is a wait.

2. Use walk-in or urgent treatment centres for same-day but non-life-threatening issues

   
   

    • For example, minor injuries, suspected infections, or sudden but not dangerous symptoms.

3. Consider a consultant physician when

   
   

    • You have several symptoms that do not fit neatly into one box.

   
   

    • You have seen several people, but still do not have a clear plan.

   
   

    • You are worried about serious conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, blood problems or cancer and want a structured review.

   
   

    • You need someone to pull together test results, hospital letters and scans and explain what they actually mean for you.

4. Choose online or in person appropriately

   
   

    • Online works well for history taking, results review and planning next steps.

   
   

    • In person is better when a physical examination is essential, for example, new heart murmurs, lung examination or worrying abdominal symptoms.

If you keep bouncing between “too worried to ignore” and “feels wrong to go to A&E”, you are precisely the kind of person who often benefits from a consultant-level assessment.

How Dr Paraiso’s clinic can help

Dr Hassan Paraiso is a consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine. He sees adults with new, persistent or complex symptoms and helps them move from vague worry to a clear, realistic plan.

You can access his care in three main ways.

1. In-person clinic in Salford

   Location : Eric Healthcare, Bowsall House, 3 King Street, Salford, M3 7DG

   Telephone: 0121 838 1869

    • Typical appointment includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms and history, a focused physical examination, review of any existing test results, and a clear written summary of findings and next steps.

2. Online consultations across the UK

    • Video appointments for patients anywhere in the UK.

    • Suitable for many general medical problems, second opinions, medication reviews and planning investigations.

    • If an examination or face-to-face review is needed after all, this will be discussed openly.

3. Direct access to tests across the UK

    • Private blood tests arranged without having to see him first, with clear written reports.

    • Holter heart rhythm monitoring for palpitations, dizzy spells or suspected irregular heart rhythms.

    • You can choose tests alone or add a consultation to go through the results and agree on a plan.

After your assessment, you receive a summary letter in plain English that can also be shared with your GP. The aim is to work alongside NHS services, not against them.

If this sounds like your situation and it is not an emergency, you can find out more and arrange an in-person or online consultation at DrParaiso.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long should I wait before seeing a doctor?

   
   

    If you feel unwell for more than a week without clear improvement, or sooner if you are worried, it is sensible to speak to a pharmacist or GP. If symptoms persist for several weeks or you are getting gradually worse, a more detailed review is appropriate.

2. Can this be addressed during an online consultation?

   
   

    Many issues can be safely assessed online, especially if you already have some test results. If, during the consultation, it becomes clear that you need a physical examination or urgent review, this will be explained, and the plan will change accordingly.

3. Will you replace my GP?

   
   

    No. Your GP remains your primary medical contact. This clinic aims to provide rapid senior input, then share a clear summary and plan back to your GP whenever possible.

4. Do I always need tests?

   
   

    No. Many problems can be understood and managed with a good history, examination and review of existing information. Tests are used when they are likely to change management or reassure safety, not just because they are available.

5. Can you see if I am very unwell?

   
   

    If there is any doubt that your situation might be an emergency, you will be directed to 999 or A&E instead. The clinic is not equipped for emergency care.

Key takeaways

1. If you have severe, sudden or clearly profound symptoms, go straight to 999 or A&E.

2. If you feel unwell but stable, basic self-care and a symptom diary are a good start.

3. Your GP is usually the first port of call, but you do not have to stay stuck on an endless waiting list if you are still worried.

4. A consultant physician can help when symptoms are complex, persistent or poorly explained.

5. Dr Paraiso offers in-person clinics in Edgbaston, online consultations across the UK, and direct access to blood tests and Holter monitoring, with clear plans and letters to your GP.

Final safety reminder

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, getting worse quickly, or you think it might be life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.