The flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system; it causes fever and coughing. What’s more, it can spread rapidly, making it difficult for many people to avoid close contact with an infected party. In some cases, especially when flu complications are involved (and they can get very bad), one may need medical help. Read this guide to decide when to seek medical help for the flu.
Symptoms
Flu is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that usually appear quickly. Symptoms include fever, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and tiredness. Children may also have vomiting and diarrhea. The most serious cases of influenza are among the very young, elderly people, pregnant women, and people who have a medical condition such as diabetes or asthma.
What to Do when One Is Sick
A majority of people who contract the flu recover without treatment in 3-5 days. Asymptomatic patients with no high-risk conditions usually do not require medical services. However, they should avoid meeting people to avoid spreading the illness. Additionally, fluid intake should be increased. One should also ensure their mouth and nose are covered with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. One must also not wash their hands without soap or hand sanitizer.
When to Approach a Medical Professional
People with a serious risk of flu complications should contact their health care provider promptly if they develop the following symptoms:
Children: Difficulty breathing or fast breathing, inability to drink sufficient fluids, bluish skin color, inability to urinate or cry, frequent vomiting, no interaction, not waking up, irritability, sudden dizziness, pressure or pain in the belly or chest, confusion, and fever accompanied by a rash.
Adults: Confusion, frequent vomiting, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, feeling faint, flu-like symptoms that ease but worsen, and severe dehydration.
Health care providers may advise those at high risk of flu complications to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room if they develop flu symptoms.
Antiviral Drugs
Healthy people who are not hospitalized generally recover from the illness without using antiviral drugs. Most healthy people who get the flu respond well to home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids and resting, and those at a high risk with a history of heart or lung disease should be treated with antiviral drugs.
