Most influenza does not need a physician visit. This article makes clear the signs that should lead to physician care. U.S. Offers Advice on When to Seek Flu Care
But for some, influenza can be life-threatening. Among warning signs that should bring immediate notification to a doctor are rapid or difficult breathing and a fever that remains high for more than four days; prolonged fever can signal a serious complication like bacterial pneumonia.
Other symptoms suggesting a need for urgency are a blue tinge in the color of the skin, an inability to drink enough fluids, lethargy or irritableness, altered mental status and seizure. Flu symptoms that disappear and then return in more severe form could be a clue to a complicating bacterial infection or other problem, and should lead to a call to the doctor.
Further, people with an underlying medical problem that grows worse with the flu should also seek care. Any kind of pain or other discomfort in the chest, or a feeling of faintness, requires immediate attention.
Dr. Gerberding said people at special risk of flu complications should seek care early. These, she said, include pregnant women and people who are over 65 or have an underlying medical problem.
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1 Response to Influenza – when to seek care
JohnHays.net
December 23rd, 2003 at 1:32 am
Some flu advice
We seem to be having an epidemic or, as some experts have said, a pandemic that seems to involve those little, itty bitty flu viruses. So, for all who are interested in information about those viruses, check out DB’s Medical Rants: Influenza – when to …