When to See a Doctor

Most people who get the flu – seasonal or H1N1 – will recover without serious complications.

Treatment with antibiotics and antiviral medications is generally not needed and will not be prescribed unless necessary. Often the best place to recover from the flu is at home.

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, doctors recommend you stay home and avoid contact with other people. You should:

• Take over-the-counter medication as needed for fever and pain.
  
• Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks or electrolyte beverages for infants.
  
• Remain at home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone.
  
• Wash your hands frequently!

When to go to the doctor? Some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider. They are:

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  
• People 65 and older
  
• Pregnant women
  
• People who have chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.

There are warning signs and anyone who has these warning signs should get medical care right away.

• In children
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
    
  • Bluish or gray skin color
    
  • Not drinking enough fluids
    
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
    
  • Not waking up or not interacting
    
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
    
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
    
  • Fever with a rash
    
• In adults
  
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
    
  • Sudden dizziness
    
  • Confusion
    
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
    
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms improve but then return

If you've had flu symptoms for a few days and they are getting worse you should call your doctor. Call your doctor if:

• Your fever returns
  
• Your fever lasts for longer than three days
  
• You have difficulty breathing
  
• You cannot stop vomiting and can't keep liquids down
  
• You wheeze when you breathe
  
• Your flu symptoms worsen each day
  

If you have a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, asthma, COPD, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS, it's important to call your doctor when the first flu symptoms appear. Flu could increase the risk of serious problems associated with your chronic condition.

Seek emergency medical help if you or a loved one is extremely short of breath or has a severe headache or stiff neck.