When should you see a doctor for flu symptoms. How can you tell if your flu is becoming dangerous. What are the warning signs that indicate you need medical attention for influenza. Who is at higher risk of flu complications.

Understanding Flu Symptoms and Their Severity

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, affects millions of Americans each year. While most cases resolve on their own within a week or two, certain symptoms can indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening complications.

The flu typically causes symptoms such as:

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

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States sees between 9.3 million and 49 million flu cases annually. With such widespread occurrence, it’s essential to know when your symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor.

Breathing Difficulties: A Red Flag for Pneumonia

Does the flu affect your breathing? Typically, influenza should not cause severe respiratory issues. If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a more serious complication, such as pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a common and potentially dangerous complication of the flu, causing up to 49,000 deaths in the United States each year. It occurs when the flu virus or secondary bacterial infections inflame the air sacs in your lungs, filling them with fluid or pus.

Symptoms of pneumonia to watch for include:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
• High fever
• Cough with mucus

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia can prevent more severe complications and potentially save your life.

Chest Pain: A Possible Sign of Cardiac Complications

Can the flu affect your heart? While many people associate the flu with respiratory symptoms, it can also have serious implications for your cardiovascular system. Chest pain or pressure during a bout of flu should never be ignored, as it could indicate a cardiac issue.

The flu can trigger heart attacks and strokes, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart disease. This is because the infection puts additional stress on the body, potentially leading to inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or destabilization of arterial plaques.

Research has shown that the risk of a heart attack increases six-fold during the first week of a confirmed flu infection. This startling statistic underscores the importance of seeking medical attention if you experience any chest discomfort while battling the flu.

Symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sudden weakness or fatigue

If you have a history of heart disease or stroke, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider as soon as you suspect you have the flu. They may recommend antiviral medications to reduce the risk of complications.

Severe Vomiting: A Sign of Dehydration and Potential Sepsis

Is vomiting a common symptom of the flu? While nausea and vomiting can occur with influenza, especially in children, severe or persistent vomiting is a cause for concern. It can lead to dehydration, which complicates recovery and may require medical intervention.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting normal bodily functions. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth and skin
• Decreased urination or dark-colored urine
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heartbeat

In severe cases, inability to keep liquids down could be a sign of sepsis, a life-threatening complication of the flu. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, potentially leading to organ failure if left untreated.

Signs of sepsis include:

• High fever or low body temperature
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Clammy or sweaty skin

If you’re experiencing severe vomiting or any signs of sepsis, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment with fluids and, if necessary, antibiotics can be life-saving.

Pregnancy and Flu: Increased Risk of Complications

Why are pregnant women at higher risk for flu complications? Pregnancy alters a woman’s immune system, heart, and lungs, making her more susceptible to severe illness from influenza. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get a flu shot to protect both mother and baby.

Pregnant women who contract the flu are at increased risk for complications such as:

• Premature labor and delivery
• Low birth weight babies
• Stillbirth
• Severe respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia

In rare cases, influenza during pregnancy can even lead to maternal death. Therefore, it’s crucial for pregnant women to seek medical attention at the first sign of flu symptoms.

While the flu shot is recommended, the nasal spray flu vaccine is not advised for pregnant women. If you’re expecting and develop flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the severity of symptoms and protect your baby.

Asthma and Flu: A Dangerous Combination

How does the flu affect people with asthma? For the approximately 25 million Americans living with asthma, the flu can be particularly dangerous. Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making individuals more susceptible to severe respiratory complications from influenza.

People with asthma who contract the flu often experience:

• More severe flu symptoms
• Longer duration of illness
• Higher risk of hospitalization
• Increased likelihood of developing pneumonia

If you have asthma and suspect you have the flu, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may recommend starting antiviral medications to reduce the severity and duration of your illness.

It’s important to note that people with asthma should avoid the antiviral drug zanamivir (Relenza), as it can cause wheezing and other lung problems. Instead, your doctor may prescribe alternative antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza).

To prevent flu complications, individuals with asthma should:

• Get an annual flu vaccine
• Keep asthma well-controlled
• Have an up-to-date asthma action plan
• Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms

Heart Disease and Flu: Increased Vulnerability to Complications

Why is the flu particularly dangerous for people with heart disease? Approximately 92 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease or are living with the effects of a stroke. For these individuals, the flu can pose a significant threat to their health.

The flu can exacerbate existing heart conditions by:

• Increasing inflammation throughout the body
• Raising blood pressure
• Elevating heart rate
• Increasing the risk of blood clots

These factors can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, worsening of heart failure, and arrhythmias. Research has shown that the risk of a heart attack increases significantly in the week following a flu diagnosis.

If you have heart disease and develop flu symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may recommend:

• Starting antiviral medications
• Adjusting your current heart medications
• Monitoring your condition closely
• Seeking immediate care if symptoms worsen

Prevention is key for individuals with heart disease. The CDC strongly recommends annual flu vaccination for this high-risk group. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can help reduce the risk of contracting the flu.

Recurring Symptoms: When the Flu Takes a Turn for the Worse

Should flu symptoms come back after improving? If your flu symptoms seem to improve and then suddenly worsen or return, it’s a sign that you should seek medical attention. This pattern could indicate a secondary bacterial infection or other complications.

Pay particular attention to:

• High fever that returns after initially subsiding
• Severe cough that produces green or yellow mucus
• Increased shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Persistent fatigue or weakness

These symptoms could indicate pneumonia, bronchitis, or other serious respiratory infections that require medical treatment. In some cases, they might even signal the onset of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that demands immediate medical intervention.

Remember, while it’s normal for some flu symptoms to linger for a week or two, a significant worsening of symptoms or the development of new ones is cause for concern. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the progression of your illness.

High-Risk Groups: Who Needs Extra Caution?

Are certain people more likely to develop flu complications? Yes, some individuals are at higher risk of experiencing severe flu-related complications and should seek medical attention promptly if they develop flu symptoms. These high-risk groups include:

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

If you fall into any of these categories, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of flu symptoms. Early intervention with antiviral medications can significantly reduce the risk of complications and shorten the duration of illness.

The Role of Antiviral Medications in Flu Treatment

How effective are antiviral medications for treating the flu? When started within 48 hours of symptom onset, antiviral drugs can significantly reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. These medications work by preventing the virus from replicating in your body.

Common antiviral medications for flu include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Peramivir (Rapivab)
• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)

While these medications can be effective, they require a prescription from a healthcare provider. It’s important to note that antibiotics are not effective against the flu virus and should only be used if a secondary bacterial infection develops.

For most healthy individuals, over-the-counter medications can help manage flu symptoms. However, if you’re in a high-risk group or experiencing severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider about antiviral treatment options.

The Importance of Flu Prevention

How can you protect yourself from the flu? While knowing when to seek medical attention for flu symptoms is crucial, prevention remains the best strategy. Here are some key steps to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the flu:

• Get an annual flu vaccine: This is the most effective way to prevent flu and its complications
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep to support your immune system
• Stay home when sick: If you do get the flu, avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus
• Use antiviral medications if prescribed: These can help prevent flu in people who have been exposed to the virus

By taking these preventive measures and staying alert to the warning signs that necessitate medical attention, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially serious consequences of influenza.

Remember, while the flu is a common illness, it should never be taken lightly. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms or if you fall into a high-risk category, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional. Your health and well-being are worth the extra precaution.

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.

How doctors treat influenza: doctors told what they do if they get sick themselves

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Doctors shared tips on what they do themselves if they get ARVI or flu and are treated at home. Everyone says the same thing – there is no one way to quickly get better, but there are complex methods that you can also adopt.

December 16, 20224

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If you catch a virus – SARS, flu, covid – and the disease proceeds without complications, then any doctor will leave you to recover at home, and some will not even prescribe any medications.

– There is no magic pill to get rid of the virus . But then there are remedies that will ease your condition and speed up your recovery – and they will not cost you a penny, the doctors said in an interview with the Huffigton Post. – This is how we treat influenza and SARS ourselves if we become infected during the epidemic.

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How Doctors Treat When They Get Sick

Eat the Right Foods

“I support my body when I get sick with rest, plenty of fluids, and high protein foods,” says Dr. Dhawal Desai of Atlanta. – The patient’s diet should include eggs, fish, chicken, natural yogurt, whole grains. But it is better to exclude sausage and products that do not have nutritional value, as well as coffee and strong tea.

Do not drink alcohol during illness, doctors add, it can disturb your sleep, dehydrates and categorically does not combine with antipyretics if they have to be taken.

Drink a lot

Hydration is essentially a healing treatment, doctors are sure. It is imperative to drink during illness – and even more than you usually do.

— It is obligatory to drink warm water when you are sick. Not bad if the drinks are with vitamin C – fruit drinks, decoctions, diluted natural juices. The optimal ratio of water to other liquids is 70 to 30, advises doctor Elena Chernenko. – During an illness at a temperature, you should drink up to 100 ml of liquid per kilogram of body weight and up to 50 ml per kg of body weight – for coughing, runny nose and SARS without fever. We are talking about the rate of fluid per kilogram of normal human body weight – minus extra pounds.

Sleep a lot and stop exercising

If you don’t feel well, your body needs to rest, and it’s a bad idea to limit yourself to hours of sleep. According to Mayo Clinic , “When you don’t get enough sleep, there are fewer antibodies and infection-fighting cells.” So sleep deprivation will take longer to recover.

– If I’m sick, slow down as much as possible and let the body’s immune system do its job, says Florida family doctor Christopher Scuderi . – If I wake up when I’m sick, I try to fall asleep again and allow myself to take a nap in the afternoon, go to bed early. And also – I categorically refuse any serious physical activity and additional obligations on the days of illness.

“Even if there is no fever and you feel better, you don’t need to start general cleaning, wash dishes, scrub floors,” doctor Elena Chernenko also advises. – Give your body a rest.

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Monitor symptoms closely

“I definitely listen to my body and its signals,” says doctor Desai. – And I can’t stand it if I have a headache or a temperature above 38 – I use symptomatic treatment. But the main thing here is not to overdo it.

As the therapist warned earlier, if the high temperature does not subside after taking the pill, it is absolutely impossible to take the second one.

It is not worth prescribing pills on your own if you have any health problems or unusual symptoms without a doctor, the doctors say unanimously. Especially when it comes to small children.

“We don’t recommend using cough suppressants or any other over-the-counter cold medicine for young children, for example, without the advice of a doctor,” says the doctor. “It can have dangerous consequences for their health and life.

Use gargle and honey

— If you have a sore throat, salt water gargles work very well , says Scuderi. – Preparing the solution is simple – mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with them – this may bring temporary relief.

“I use honey as a natural cough suppressant,” notes Desai. – Studies have shown that honey can reduce coughs in children and adults. If you feel unwell, you can add some honey to your tea or oatmeal. Important – it is contraindicated for children under one year old and with individual intolerance.

Use humidifiers

“When I get sick, I turn on the humidifier and go to bed,” Flores, a pediatrician, says. — More than moisture-saturated air helps to facilitate breathing, reduces nasal congestion . If you don’t have a humidifier, you can spray water with a spray bottle or place a container of water in front of a fan. Important – if you have a chronic disease or the disease is severe, before you start using a humidifier, consult your doctor.

Do not take antibiotics

— Antibiotics work against bacterial infections, — doctor Desai explained. – A virus causes influenza and SARS. So such treatment can even be dangerous. If you take antibiotics in the hope of curing a cold, you are putting your body at risk of getting toxic effects. And over time—if you do this often—antibiotic resistance can develop. And pills will no longer help when the body really needs help.

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Stay at home

– If I get sick, I isolate myself from my relatives so as not to put them at risk, and, of course, I don’t go shopping and to work, — the doctors confirm. – It is very good to regularly ventilate the room where the sick person is located in order to prevent the spread of viruses.

As for flu and covid tests for mild illness, opinions are divided – some doctors believe that they should be done in order to know which virus has struck you and be prepared for possible complications that it can give. Others believe that testing is a waste of time and money.

— If you take a test and find out you have the flu, or covid, or neither, what should you do? The recipe is the same in all cases – stay at home, eat chicken soup, take paracetamol, be patient , says the famous doctor Alexander Myasnikov. — Testing may be justified when, for example, a severely febrile patient is admitted to the hospital. There may be various options – and a test is needed. But why he is in outpatient practice, I do not know.

Text author:Anna Mayskaya

What are the complications of the flu and why you need to go to the doctor – January 31, 2020

Rospotrebnadzor calls vaccination the only way to prevent influenza

Photo: Artem Lenz

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In Krasnoyarsk, the number of infected with SARS and influenza. 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 numbers are below the epidemic threshold by 29,5%.

Rospotrebnadzor tells why you should not lie 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 old 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.