The majority of people who get the flu have a mild case and do not need medical attention or antiviral medication. If you have flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home and avoid contact with anyone unless you need medical attention.
The flu has symptoms similar to a common cold, but it comes on much faster and more intense. The following are some of the most common flu signs and symptoms:
- A runny and stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Fever above 100F (38C), though not everyone with flu has a fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- A cough or sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (most common in children)
- Headache
The average healthy person would expect to feel better in a week with some rest and self-care at home, though symptoms of a dry cough can last for several weeks. Some individuals, however, are at a higher risk of severe flu complications and should seek medical attention.
Who Is At A High Risk?
Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing life-threatening flu complications, including pneumonia or bronchitis. The CDC considers you to be at high risk and recommends that you see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of the flu:
- You’ve got a weakened immune system.
- You’re a patient in a nursing home.
- You are at least 65 years old.
- You’re expecting a child or are within two weeks of giving birth.
- You suffer from long-term illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
If you fit into one of these categories, you should see a doctor.
When Should You See A Doctor?
Although most people who get the flu have mild cases, it can be serious or even life-threatening at times. To determine whether or not you should see a doctor, weigh your overall health and the severity of your symptoms.
The doctor at smartclinics.com.au will assess your symptoms and 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.
The following are warnings that you should see a doctor for cold and flu complications:
1. Sudden Sore Throat Accompanied by Fever
You may have strep throat if you get a sudden sore throat with a fever but no other upper respiratory symptoms. Antibiotics can be used to treat a bacterial infection of the throat. Swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen and white or yellow spots on the back of the throat are other strep throat symptoms.
2. Your Symptoms Suddenly Get Worse After Getting Better
Things are finally looking up after battling your cold for a few days; your nose is still running, and you have a tickle in your mouth, but the rest of your symptoms have vanished, and your cold unexpectedly worsens. The coughing, mucous cough returns, accompanied by a fever and a pounding in the head.
If your symptoms unexpectedly worsen after appearing to improve, you may have contracted a secondary infection. Secondary infections are even more severe and take advantage of your immune system’s already compromised state.
3. Your Flu becomes Unusually Bad
It’s not always clear when to go to the doctor for a cold; if yours doesn’t go away or worsens, seek medical attention. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Extremely difficult swallowing, chest pain, and shortness of breath are not typical cold symptoms and may mean something more severe.
- If you have a heavy cough that lasts more than two weeks, you may have whooping cough, and if you have persistent coughing, you may have a sinus infection.
- If you can’t hold food down, an IV might be necessary to help your bodywork.
- You could have the flu if you have a fever, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms. It’s better to see a doctor for a Tamiflu prescription in these situations. Seniors, expectant mothers, and people with heart disease should take special precautions because they are more susceptible to flu complications.
4. Severe Vomiting
Virus infections are the most common cause of vomiting in infants. Blockages in the intestines can also cause chronic vomiting in young children. Gallstones or irregular muscular thickening may obstruct the intestines. Adults rarely vomit, but when they do, it’s usually a result of other illnesses, particularly if they cause a headache or a high fever.
Vomiting is usually harmless, but it may indicate a serious illness. If the vomiting persists, you should seek medical attention. Request that your doctor write you a prescription for the medication you need. Within 6 to 24 hours, it should subside.
When it comes to the flu, you must respond quickly. The flu season normally peaks between December and March, but it may last until May in some cases. Don’t wait; see or call the doctor to hear more about staying healthy and managing symptoms if you do get sick.