With serious illnesses like Ebola taking over news headlines, it may be more concerning than usual when you or your children don’t feel well this flu season. But experts say it’s important to keep proper perspective.
“Despite these concerns, most physicians would give the same basic recommendations for when you can treat your flu at home and when you should seek medical attention,” says Randy Bergen, MD, pediatric infectious disease consultant and clinical lead of the flu vaccine program for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.
Symptoms associated with the flu commonly last about a week and can be eased with home treatment. For instance, you can reduce a fever with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antihistamines and decongestants can help you breathe easier when you’re congested.
You also should drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest, says Russ Kino, MD, medical director of emergency services at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
When to Seek Medical Attention
There are times when the flu can lead to serious complications, and medical attention is necessary. So, how do you know when you should see your doctor for the flu? These signs may indicate that your body may not be able to fight off the flu on its own:
Difficulty breathing
Chest or stomach pain
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Severe vomiting
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. “Children tolerate high fevers better than adults, but 102 is a significant fever, especially for adults,” Dr. Bergen says.
If you’ve taken fever reducers and your fever doesn’t break, you need to call your doctor, Bergen says. It could be a sign that you may need medical treatment.
More Reasons to Go to the Doctor for Flu
Dehydration also needs medical attention. “Signs that you’re getting dehydrated include urinating less frequently than normal, feeling thirsty, and having trouble keeping fluids down,” Bergen says. 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.
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. “If you have a weakened immune system, you have to be more concerned than the average person,” he explains.
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.
Avoiding Flu Complications
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. 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. “That’s the best possible thing you can do to avoid respiratory illnesses with the coming colder weather,” Kino says.
Collected
