When to Seek Emergency Medical Help for Flu

1/19/2015

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (Jan. 20, 2015) – The flu virus continues to spread across the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely tracking the number of confirmed cases and urging stringent precautions to minimize its impact. Commonwealth Health continues to see flu-symptomatic patients in the emergency room and numerous patients have been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications.

While most people will be able to endure the flu’s effects on their bodies and recover, others are at high risk for suffering complications and needing emergency intervention. Individuals at a higher risk include babies and children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals with lung disease – such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Unlike a cold, the flu typically comes on suddenly. The most common symptoms are fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect you have the flu virus, the CDC recommends seeking care from your doctor or an urgent care clinic, where you can be tested and receive a prescription for antiviral medication to minimize the intensity and duration of your symptoms. These medications work best when taken within 48 hours of becoming ill, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness.

When you or someone for whom you’re caring experiences any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends seeking help from the closest emergency department:

Infants