Preparing for an appointment

Symptoms of anthrax often come on suddenly and can be very serious. If you know you've been exposed to anthrax or if you develop symptoms after a possible exposure, immediately go to the emergency room.

If you have time before you go:

• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that seem unrelated to anthrax exposure.
• Write down key personal information. Have you recently traveled to a part of the world where anthrax is endemic? Are you exposed to livestock, game animals or animal skins in your work or hobbies?
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you're taking.
• Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to recall the information provided to you in the hospital or during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor. For instance, if you're diagnosed with anthrax, you will want to know the route of infection, the proposed treatment and your prognosis.