Preparing for an appointment

Most people who have shigella infection get better on their own and don't need to see a doctor. If you or your child has severe symptoms or a high fever, you may need treatment.

What you can do

Before talking with your doctor, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

• What are the symptoms?
• When did the symptoms start?
• Have you or your child been exposed to a person who has or had shigella infection?
• Do you or your child have a fever? If so, how high is it?

What to expect from your doctor

During the physical exam, your doctor may press on various parts of your abdomen to check for pain or tenderness. He or she may also use a cotton swab to get a stool culture or send you home with instructions for collecting and transporting a sample of your stool so that it can be tested for evidence of infection.