When should you go to the doctor for flu symptoms. How can you tell if your flu is severe enough to warrant medical attention. What are the warning signs that indicate your flu may be turning into a more serious condition.

Understanding Flu Symptoms and Their Severity

The flu, or influenza, is a common viral infection that affects millions of Americans each year. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own, certain symptoms can indicate a more severe infection requiring medical attention. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and preventing potentially life-threatening complications.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

While these symptoms are typically manageable at home, certain situations warrant a visit to the doctor. Let’s explore the key indicators that suggest you should seek medical care for your flu.

Breathing Difficulties: A Red Flag for Serious Complications

Experiencing trouble breathing while battling the flu is a significant cause for concern. Why is this symptom so alarming? Breathing difficulties can indicate the development of pneumonia, a serious lung infection that can complicate flu cases. Pneumonia is responsible for up to 49,000 deaths annually in the United States, making it a potentially life-threatening condition.

If you notice any of the following breathing-related issues, consult a healthcare provider immediately:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing

Early intervention can prevent the progression of respiratory complications and ensure proper treatment.

Chest Pain: A Potential Sign of Cardiac Complications

Chest pain or pressure during a bout of flu should never be ignored. This symptom can indicate serious underlying issues, including:

1. Heart attacks
2. Strokes
3. Pneumonia

The flu can exacerbate existing heart conditions and even trigger cardiac events in individuals with no prior history of heart disease. How does this happen? The flu virus can cause inflammation throughout the body, potentially leading to the rupture of arterial plaques or increased stress on the heart.

If you experience any chest discomfort while sick with the flu, seek immediate medical attention to rule out potentially life-threatening conditions.

Persistent Vomiting: A Threat to Hydration and Recovery

While nausea and occasional vomiting can occur with the flu, persistent vomiting is a cause for concern. Why is this symptom particularly troubling? Continuous vomiting can lead to severe dehydration, hindering your body’s ability to fight the infection and recover.

Moreover, uncontrollable vomiting may be a sign of sepsis, a life-threatening complication of the flu. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction.

If you’re unable to keep fluids down or experiencing frequent vomiting, contact your healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment, which may include intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medications.

Pregnancy and Flu: A Potentially Dangerous Combination

Pregnant women are at higher risk for flu-related complications due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy. How does the flu affect pregnant women differently? Expectant mothers are more likely to develop severe symptoms and complications, including:

• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Premature labor
• Low birth weight

In rare cases, flu during pregnancy can even lead to stillbirth or maternal death. Due to these risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends flu vaccination for all pregnant women.

If you’re pregnant and suspect you have the flu, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

Asthma and Flu: A Dangerous Duo

For the approximately 25 million Americans living with asthma, the flu can pose a significant threat. Why are individuals with asthma at higher risk? Asthma affects the airways in the lungs, making people more susceptible to respiratory complications from the flu.

Asthma patients with the flu are more likely to:

• Experience severe symptoms
• Require hospitalization
• Develop pneumonia

If you have asthma and contract the flu, consult your doctor about starting antiviral medication. It’s important to note that the antiviral drug zanamivir (Relenza) is not recommended for asthma patients, as it can exacerbate breathing problems.

Heart Disease and Flu: A Potentially Lethal Combination

For the 92 million Americans living with heart disease or the effects of a stroke, the flu presents a significant health risk. How does the flu impact those with heart conditions? The virus can place additional stress on the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Worsening of existing heart conditions

Research has shown that the risk of a heart attack increases six-fold during the first week of a confirmed flu infection. This heightened risk makes it crucial for individuals with heart disease to seek medical attention at the first sign of flu symptoms.

Vaccination remains the best defense against flu-related complications for those with heart disease. If you have a heart condition and suspect you have the flu, contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss treatment options.

Recurring Symptoms: When the Flu Refuses to Leave

If your flu symptoms improve and then suddenly return with increased severity, it’s time to see a doctor. Why is the recurrence of symptoms concerning? This pattern can indicate the development of a secondary infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Pay particular attention to the following symptoms:

• High fever
• Severe cough
• Production of green or yellow mucus

These signs may suggest a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Prompt medical attention can prevent the progression of secondary infections and reduce the risk of complications.

High-Risk Groups: When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Certain populations are at higher risk for flu-related complications and should seek medical attention as soon as flu symptoms appear. These high-risk groups include:

• Women up to two weeks postpartum
• Children under 5, especially those younger than 2
• Adults 65 years and older
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• People with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, chronic lung disease)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People under 19 on long-term aspirin therapy
• Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher
• Native Americans (American Indians or Alaska Natives)

If you belong to any of these groups, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of flu symptoms. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications.

The Importance of Timely Antiviral Treatment

While over-the-counter medications can help manage flu symptoms, antiviral drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider can make a significant difference in the course of the illness. How effective are antiviral medications for flu? When taken within two days of symptom onset, these medications can:

• Reduce symptom severity
• Shorten the duration of illness by approximately one day
• Prevent serious complications

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or belong to a high-risk group, don’t wait to seek medical attention. Early treatment with antivirals can significantly improve your outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Trusting Your Instincts: When Something Doesn’t Feel Right

Even if you don’t fall into a high-risk category or experience the specific symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to trust your instincts. If you feel that your flu symptoms are unusually severe or something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

Healthcare providers are trained to assess the nuances of flu symptoms and can determine whether your condition requires further evaluation or treatment. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

Preventing Flu: The Role of Vaccination

While recognizing when to seek medical care for flu is crucial, prevention remains the best strategy. Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from influenza. How does the flu vaccine work? It stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies against the most common flu strains, reducing your risk of infection or severe illness if you do contract the virus.

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for high-risk groups and their close contacts.

Flu vs. COVID-19: Navigating Respiratory Illnesses in the Pandemic Era

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, distinguishing between flu and COVID-19 symptoms can be challenging. Both illnesses share many common symptoms, including fever, cough, and fatigue. How can you tell the difference between flu and COVID-19? While it’s often impossible to distinguish between the two based on symptoms alone, there are some key differences:

• COVID-19 is more likely to cause loss of taste or smell
• Flu symptoms typically develop more rapidly than COVID-19 symptoms
• COVID-19 may have a longer incubation period before symptoms appear

Given the potential overlap in symptoms and the serious nature of both illnesses, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you develop respiratory symptoms, especially if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or live in an area with high transmission rates.

The Impact of Flu on Public Health

Understanding the broader impact of influenza on public health can help emphasize the importance of proper flu management and prevention. How widespread is the flu in the United States? According to the CDC:

• Between 5% and 20% of Americans get sick with the flu each year
• Flu cases have ranged from 9.3 million to 49 million annually since 2010
• Flu-related hospitalizations can range from 140,000 to 810,000 per year
• Annual deaths attributed to flu range from 12,000 to 61,000

These statistics underscore the significant burden of influenza on individuals, healthcare systems, and the economy. By recognizing when to seek medical care and taking preventive measures like vaccination, we can collectively reduce the impact of this seasonal illness.

Long-Term Effects of Severe Flu: What You Need to Know

While most people recover fully from the flu within a few weeks, severe cases can sometimes lead to long-term health effects. What are the potential long-term consequences of a severe flu infection? Some individuals may experience:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in the months following infection
• Exacerbation of chronic conditions

These potential long-term effects further emphasize the importance of early intervention and proper management of flu symptoms. If you’ve had a severe case of flu, follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor for any lingering effects and discuss strategies to support your long-term health.

The Role of Telemedicine in Flu Care

In recent years, telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing flu cases, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. How can telemedicine benefit patients with flu symptoms? Virtual consultations offer several advantages:

• Reduced risk of spreading illness to others
• Convenient access to medical advice from home
• Ability to receive prescriptions for antiviral medications if necessary
• Ongoing monitoring of symptoms without repeated in-person visits

Many healthcare providers now offer telemedicine options for initial flu consultations. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mild symptoms or those at low risk for complications, allowing them to receive medical guidance while minimizing exposure to others.

Flu Prevention Beyond Vaccination: Everyday Habits That Matter

While vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu, incorporating certain habits into your daily routine can further reduce your risk of infection and transmission. What are some key practices for flu prevention? Consider adopting these habits:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoiding touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Practicing good respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes)
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep)

These simple yet effective measures can complement vaccination efforts and help create a robust defense against flu and other respiratory illnesses.

The Future of Flu Prevention and Treatment

As medical research continues to advance, new approaches to flu prevention and treatment are on the horizon. What developments can we expect in the fight against influenza? Some promising areas of research include:

• Universal flu vaccines that provide protection against multiple strains
• More effective antiviral medications with fewer side effects
• Advanced diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate flu detection
• Improved understanding of the flu virus’s evolution and transmission patterns

These advancements hold the potential to significantly reduce the global burden of influenza in the coming years. However, until these innovations become widely available, recognizing the signs of severe flu and seeking timely medical care remains crucial for managing this common but potentially serious illness.

8 Signs You Should Go to the Doctor for the Flu

Most people who come down with the flu experience mild illness that usually runs its course within a week or two. In this case, a trip to the doctor might not be necessary.

But for people who are at risk of complications from the disease, the flu can become life-threatening. Even if you live a healthy lifestyle, you can get seriously ill from flu.

The flu can cause some or all of these symptoms:

• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffed nose
• muscle aches
• headaches
• tiredness
• fever
• vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
• chills

Every year, between 5 to 20 percent of Americans get sick with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated between 9.3 million and 49 million cases of the flu every year since 2010.

So, when should you see a doctor if you’ve got the flu? Here are eight reasons to seek medical attention.

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 in the United States every year.

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.

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.

If you’re pregnant and get sick with the flu, you’re at a higher risk of complications, such as bronchitis.

You’re also at a higher risk of having your baby prematurely or at a low birthweight. In some cases, having the flu while pregnant may even lead to stillbirth or death.

The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get a flu shot. But it does not recommend the nasal spray flu vaccine for pregnant women.

One in 13 Americans has asthma, a disease that affects the airways in the lungs. Because people with asthma tend to have weaker immune systems, symptoms of the flu are often worse.

Adults and children with asthma are also more likely to be hospitalized for flu complications and develop pneumonia compared with those who don’t have asthma.

If you have asthma, you should see your doctor about taking an antiviral medication. But you shouldn’t take the antiviral drug zanamivir (Relenza), as it can cause wheezing or other lung problems.

About 92 million Americans have some form of heart disease or live with the aftermath of a stroke. If you are one of these people, you’re more likely to develop serious flu-related complications.

Researchers have found that the risk of a heart attack goes up six-fold during the first week of a confirmed flu infection.

If you live with heart disease, the best way to avoid the virus and potential hospital care is to get the flu vaccine.

Your symptoms shouldn’t reappear after they’ve subsided. A high fever and a severe cough that produces green or yellow mucus are possible signs of an infection such as pneumonia.

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
• adults ages 65 years and older
• residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
• people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, and chronic lung disease
• people with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV or cancer
• people younger than 19 who are on long-term aspirin therapy or take salicylate-based medication
• people who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
• people of Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native) descent

If you’re over the age of 2, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to ease your symptoms at the start. However, it’s more important to see a doctor immediately. 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.

If you relate to any of the points above, you should make seeing your doctor a priority. 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.

When Should I See a Doctor for the Flu?

Overview

If you get the flu, you’ll likely experience a high fever, sore throat, cough, and lots of aches and pains. You might feel like you don’t need to see a doctor, and opt to treat yourself with extra rest and fluids. But in certain cases, seeing a doctor will help you get better faster and prevent major complications.

Since 2010 in the United States, the flu has resulted in 140,000 to 960,000 hospitalizations 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. Being aware of when you should see a doctor is important.

Symptoms of the flu are similar to the common cold, but tend to come on more rapidly and are much more severe.

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• fatigue
• fever above 100°F (38°C)
• sore throat
• dry or wet cough
• chills
• muscle aches
• runny or stuffy nose

You should go to the emergency room if you have any of these symptoms:

• difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
• sudden dizziness
• severe neck stiffness
• loss of consciousness

Some people are at a higher risk of experiencing dangerous flu-related complications, like pneumonia or bronchitis.

You’re considered high risk and should see a doctor at the first signs of the flu if:

• you are age 65 or older
• you have a chronic medical condition (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• you have a compromised immune system
• you are pregnant or up to two weeks’ postpartum
• you’re a nursing home resident

If you fit into one of these categories, your doctor may prescribe an 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.

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.

But there are a few other reasons you should plan a doctor’s visit. These include:

• your fever gets better, then suddenly worsens
• 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. But if you start to get better and then rapidly deteriorate and your fever spikes again, this could mean you have a flu complication. The main complications of the flu are infections of the sinuses or lungs (pneumonia).

If you get sick with the flu and are at high risk of flu complications or you’re concerned about your illness, you can always call your doctor’s office for advice and to find out if they think you should come in.

If you decide to head to the doctor’s office or emergency room, wear a facemask if you have one. Wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Getting a flu vaccine can greatly lower your chances of getting the flu. In the 2016–2017 flu season, the flu vaccine helped prevent an estimated 5.3 million flu-related illnesses, 2.6 million medical visits, and 85,000 hospitalizations in the United States.

Muscovites with symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections now have access to an online appointment with the doctor on duty / News of the city / Moscow website

Healthcare

application “EMIAS. INFO”. It is also possible to visit the doctor on duty without an appointment.

Now Muscovites with symptoms of SARS can make an appointment with the doctor on duty online. This will minimize the accumulation of a large number of patients at one time. Online registration became possible due to the increase in the number of doctors on duty in the capital’s polyclinics, said Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Moscow Mayor for Social Development, Head of the Operational Headquarters for Controlling and Monitoring the Coronavirus Situation in Moscow.

“Due to the rapid spread of the omicron strain and the increase in the number of cases, we have decided to more than double the capacity of on-call doctors in city polyclinics. In general, they will be able to receive up to 25,000 patients a day. We are ready for any development of the situation and, if necessary, will continue to strengthen the outpatient service of the capital. To make visiting polyclinics comfortable for citizens, we have opened the possibility for patients with SARS to schedule their visit to the doctor on duty. Now you can come both without an appointment and by registering in advance for a certain time. This will minimize the risk of congestion of a large number of patients. The doctor will conduct an examination, take express and PCR tests, and, if necessary, make additional examinations immediately on the spot ”, ,” the vice mayor said.

A separate doctor on duty will work with patients by appointment. Muscovites are asked not to be late and to cancel the visit if it is impossible to come.

You can make an appointment on the mos.ru portal in the “Make an Appointment with a Doctor” section, on the emias.info website in the “Doctor Appointment” section, and in the “EMIAS.INFO” mobile application in the “Record” section. Patients who do not use digital services can still come to the on-call doctor without first calling on a first-come, first-served basis.

At the entrances to the city’s polyclinics, visitors’ temperature is measured by a non-contact method. For those who have symptoms of SARS, special routes have been developed – their flow is separated from patients who came to the clinic for other reasons. It is compulsory for everyone to wear masks inside the premises. Doctors on duty receive daily from 08:00 to 20:00.

Sergei Sobyanin: Moscow will increase the number of doctors on duty to receive patients with acute respiratory viral infections and covid appointment at a convenient time and from any device.

The EMIAS.INFO mobile app can be downloaded from the App Store, Google Play and App Gallery. For the correct operation of applications, it is necessary to monitor their timely updating.

Implementation of such technologies became possible due to the unified digital healthcare platform created in the city. It was developed by the Metropolitan Social Development Complex and the City Department of Information Technology. The platform contains various services for doctors and patients, which simplify their interaction and improve the quality of research and treatment.

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What are the complications of the flu and why you need to go to the doctor0003

Photo: Artem Lenz

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In Krasnoyarsk, the number of cases of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza is growing rapidly. If two weeks ago the incidence rate was 30.3 per 10 thousand of the population, now it is 43.2 per 10 thousand of the population. As of January 22, the figures are 29.5% below the epidemic threshold.

Rospotrebnadzor tells why you should not stay at home or go to work with the flu, but go to the doctors.

— The answer is simple: the flu is the only acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) that entails serious complications that not only disrupt the functioning of our body, but are also life-threatening. And these complications occur very often. Most often, the complications of influenza are delayed, appear after some time, when the person has already forgotten about the infection. Problems begin in the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and other systems of the body, they say in the department.

According to the World Health Organization, up to 500 million people fall ill with influenza and SARS every year, and about 2 million people die from complications of the disease.

The source of influenza is a sick person with severe symptoms or with no symptoms. An important role in the transmission of infection is played by patients with an erased form of the infection, carrying the disease “on their feet”. Most often, the virus affects the respiratory system, heart, blood-forming organs.

Complications are dangerous for children under one year old, adults over 60 years of age with concomitant diseases of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and endocrine pathology, in which a fatal outcome is possible due to complications of previously existing diseases.