Not every case of the flu is an emergency

  • October 29, 2009
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Now that H1N1 flu is confirmed in the community, many people may be wondering about seeking treatment of flu-like symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control have issued the following treatment recommendations. The CDC recommends that you not go to the emergency department if you are only mildly ill with flu symptoms. Symptoms of the flu include: fever (although not everyone with flu will have a fever), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting. If you have these flu symptoms, you are advised to stay home and away from others until you no longer have symptoms. If you are sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your doctor for advice. The CDC identifies the following symptoms that indicate you should seek treatment immediately at the emergency department: In children: Fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable the child does not want to be held, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough, and/or fever with a rash. Children younger than 5 and, in particular, children younger than 2 are more likely to get the flu and should be monitored. In adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and/or severe or persistent vomiting. Adults older than 65 are most vulnerable to the flu, as are pregnant women and people with certain diseases such as cancer, heart disease, weakened immune systems and other diseases. If you have concerns about your situation and your symptoms are mild, contact your doctor’s office.


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