how do i know when to seek treatment for flu

^{In adults, emergency warnings signs that require urgent medical care include:}

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

When should I seek medical attention for the flu?

Here are eight reasons to seek medical attention. 1. You have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Being sick with flu shouldn’t affect your breathing. It could be a sign of a something more serious, such as pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious complication of flu.

How do I know if I have the flu?

Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. What should I do if I get sick?

What to do if you have the flu and feel sick?

If you do come down with the flu, these measures may help ease your symptoms: Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection. You may need to change your activity level, depending on your symptoms. Consider pain relievers.

Should I get tested for the flu?

Your healthcare provider will determine whether you should be tested and treated for the flu. In children, emergency warning signs that require urgent medical care include: Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough In adults, emergency warnings signs that require urgent medical care include:

When should you seek medical help for the flu?

1. You have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Being sick with flu shouldn't affect your breathing. It could be a sign of a something more serious, such as pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.

Is it better to let the flu run its course?

Young, healthy people probably don't need to be treated for influenza. It will simply run its course in a few days. Over-the-counter medications for symptoms may be helpful. The very young and old and those with other medical problems may benefit from being treated with antiviral medications.

How do you know when the flu is severe?

Common Flu SymptomsFever above 100 F.Severe aches in your muscles and joints.Weakness or severe fatigue.Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes.Chills.A headache.A dry cough.A sore throat and runny nose.

How do you flush out the flu?

ContinuedDrink plenty of fluids. You need lots of liquids when you have a fever.Breathe hot air. Hang out in a steamy shower or cover your head with a towel and hold it over a sinkful of hot water to ease dry throats and nasal passages.Don't take antibiotics . ... Eat healthy. ... Don't smoke. ... Keep the flu to yourself.

Do doctors prescribe anything for the flu?

But if you have a severe infection or are at higher risk of complications, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug to treat the flu. These drugs can include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab) or baloxavir (Xofluza).

What are the stages of flu symptoms?

What to expect with influenza (flu)Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose.Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. ... Day 8: Symptoms decrease.

What are mild Covid symptoms?

The National Institutes of Health guidelines for treatment categorize mild COVID as" [i]ndividuals who have any of the various signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell) but who do not have shortness of breath, ...

Why does flu get worse at night?

At night, there is less cortisol in your blood. As a result, your white blood cells readily detect and fight infections in your body at this time, provoking the symptoms of the infection to surface, such as fever, congestion, chills, or sweating. Therefore, you feel sicker during the night.

High-risk groups

Some people are at higher risk of such complications, as Dr Samar Mahmood, a GP in Barnsley highlights. "A person's particular vulnerability factor relates to how well their immune system functions," he explains.

Flu complications

People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) may find that a bout of the flu triggers an exacerbation of their condition, making their usual symptoms worse.

COVID-19 and flu

This year, it's more important than ever that you have the flu vaccination if you're susceptible to complications, because of the added danger of COVID-19.

Should I seek advice?

The chances are that if you catch flu, the virus will be self-limiting and you'll be able to treat your symptoms at home.

Prevention and cure

The best way of keeping yourself and others safe from flu and its potential complications is to have the annual flu vaccination if you're eligible. This year, even more people can get a free flu jab. And those who aren't eligible for a free vaccine can pay for a vaccination from their pharmacy, which normally costs less than £15.

What does it mean when your fever won't go away?

If it won't go away it might mean you've got another infection in your body that needs treatment. Generally, a fever for an adult is a temperature over 100.4 degrees F.

Is it normal to have a sore throat when you swallow?

That's not normal. Although a sore throat can make it hurt a little to swallow, severe pain can be a sign of an infection or injury that needs to be treated by a doctor.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The most common symptoms of the flu include: fatigue. fever above 100 °F (38°C) sore throat. dry or wet cough.

How long does it take for the flu to go away?

your symptoms don’t improve within two weeks. you can’t get rid of your cough or your cough begins producing thick mucus. pain is concentrated in a single area (like your ear, chest, or sinuses) Most people recover from the flu within a week.

How many people died from the flu in 2017?

and between 12,000 to 79,000 deaths each year. During the 2017-2018 season, there were at least 185 flu-associated deaths. in children, and roughly 80 percent of these deaths occurred in children who hadn’t received a flu vaccination. Even though most people recover in a week or two at home, the flu shouldn’t be taken lightly.

What are the symptoms of a syringe?

You should go to the emergency room if you have any of these symptoms: 1 difficulty breathing 2 chest pain 3 confusion 4 severe or persistent vomiting 5 sudden dizziness 6 severe neck stiffness 7 loss of consciousness

When to take antiviral medication?

These medications work best when they’re taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms start. The earlier you can see a doctor, the better.

Can you ride out the flu with rest and fluids?

If you’re not considered high risk and you’re not having severe symptoms , you can likely skip a trip to the doctor and ride out the flu with rest and fluids.

How to help a person with the flu?

If you do come down with the flu, these measures may help ease your symptoms: Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection. You may need to change your activity level, depending on your symptoms.

What to take for achiness from influenza?

Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to combat the achiness associated with influenza.

How long should you stay home with a fever?

To help control the spread of influenza in your community, stay home and keep sick children home until fever has been gone for 24 hours. Avoid being around other people until you're feeling better, unless you're getting medical care. If you do need to leave your home and get medical care, wear a face mask.

Do you need to be tested for influenza?

During times when influenza is widespread, you may not need to be tested for influenza. Your doctor may diagnose you based on your signs and symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you be tested for influenza. He or she may use various tests to diagnose influenza. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is becoming more common in many ...

What should I do when I'm sick?

What should I do while I’m sick? Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.

Can the flu cause death?

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death . Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Can you go to the emergency room if you are sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, ...

Can you take Aspirin with the flu?

CDC also recommends that children and teenagers (anyone aged 18 years and younger) who have flu or are suspected to have flu should not be given Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any salicylate containing products (e.g. Pepto Bismol); this can cause a rare, very serious complication called Reye’s syndrome.

What to do if you have the flu and fever doesn't break?

Knowing when to seek out a doctor is always a balancing act. Follow these common guidelines to help you in your decision. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor if you've taken fever reducers and your fever doesn't break. Getty Images.

Why don't you want to let the flu get out of hand?

You don’t want to let the flu get out of hand because it can lead to serious complications. The biggest concern is pneumonia, a serious threat especially for the elderly and those who have other health conditions. The flu can also lead to bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections.

What to do if you can't replenish fluids?

If you can’t replenish fluids by drinking more, you may need to be given fluids intravenously. Also go to the doctor or the ER for the flu if you seemed to be getting better, but find that your symptoms are returning. If your fever and cough roar back worse than before, you need to seek medical attention, Bergen says.

What to do if your cough and fever are worse than before?

If your fever and cough roar back worse than before, you need to seek medical attention, Bergen says. People who have asthma, diabetes, HIV, AIDS, cancer, or another chronic condition, those over 65, and women who are pregnant should seek treatment sooner than an otherwise healthy person, Dr. Kino says.

What are the red flags for an emergency room?

When to Go to the Emergency Room. These red flags are the same for adults and children. However, with sick kids, seek emergency medical treatment if: Their lips or skin appear bluish. They can’t wake up or interact with you. They have a high fever with a rash. What’s considered a high fever varies with age.

Can a doctor treat you over the phone?

Your doctor may even be able to treat you over the phone, Bergen says. If the flu has been reported in your area and your doctor believes that’s what you have, he or she may prescribe antiviral flu drugs. If taken early on, these drugs may shorten its course.

Can the flu cause sinus infections?

The flu can also lead to bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. If you have asthma and get the flu, you may experience more serious attacks. If you have congestive heart failure, the flu can worsen your condition. Remember that your chances of getting the flu are a lot lower if you get a flu vaccine.

What is the warning sign of a flu?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a flu-related fever that improves but suddenly returns or worsens is the key warning sign that you should seek medical attention. 2 . The issue is different in kids.

How long does it take for a cold to clear?

Most colds clear up in seven to 10 days. Those that last longer should be always a cause for concern, especially in children.

What temperature should a sore throat be?

However, a severe sore throat should be seen by a doctor if accompanied by a fever over 104 degrees F or if it is interfering with your ability to breathe while sleeping. Symptoms like these could be a sign of a secondary bacterial infection. 6 .

What are the side effects of over the counter cough and cold medicine?

Shortness of breath. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. Severe weakness. Persistent dizziness or confusion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications in children under 2 due to safety concerns and the lack of proven efficacy. 5 .

How long does it take for mucus to go away from a child?

Cough with bloody mucus. Children three months and under with a fever over 100.4 degrees F should be taken to the emergency room without exception or delay. 4 . Even if symptoms are not severe, you should see a doctor if they persist for more than three weeks or recur.

What is the importance of knowing when to act?

Knowing when to act can help you potentially avoid progression of your illness, as well as serious complications. This is especially true for people in high-risk groups, such as young children, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and people with certain health conditions, in whom complications are more likely. 1 .

Does H1N1 cause stomach pain?

Stomach pain is a less common symptom of colds and the flu, but it has become common with certain influenza subtypes like H1N1. With the H1N1 virus, abdominal pain is often accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.

How many weeks postpartum are you at risk for the flu?

You’re at a higher risk of flu complications and should seek medical treatment right away if you fall into one of these categories: women who are up to two weeks postpartum . children younger than 5, but especially those younger than age 2.

What to do if you don't have asthma?

Even if you don’t have asthma, chest pain, or symptoms that have returned, if you’re ill with the flu virus and you feel something isn’t quite right, you should seek medical attention. Last medically reviewed on November 19, 2018.

What does it mean when you feel pressure in your chest?

You feel pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen. Feeling pain or pressure in your chest is another warning sign that you shouldn’t ignore. The flu can trigger heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease. Chest pain is also a common symptom of pneumonia. 3.

Can you breathe with the flu?

Being sick with flu shouldn’t affect your breathing. It could be a sign of a something more serious, such as pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious complication of flu. It causes up to 49,000 deaths.

Can you vomit if you have the flu?

Vomiting depletes your body of fluids, making it difficult to get well from the flu. Because of this, you should call your doctor to get examined. Vomiting or not being able to keep liquids down could also be a sign of sepsis, a serious flu-related complication. If not treated immediately, sepsis can lead to organ failure.

Can you take antiviral medication with a child under 2?

Parents of children under 2 should consult a pediatrician before giving them OTC medications. Antiviral drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider. Taking antiviral medications within two days of getting sick has been shown to lessen symptoms and shorten the length of the illness by one day.

High-Risk Groups

Flu Complications

Covid-19 and Flu

Should I Seek Advice?

• The chances are that if you catch flu, the virus will be self-limiting and you'll be able to treat your symptomsat home. However, it's crucial that you get medical advice if you're clinically vulnerable and you think you have flu. Essentially, you are classed as clinically vulnerable if you are normallyentitled to the free NHS flu jab. Carers and t...

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Prevention and Cure