What to do if flu symptoms hit
With this year’s flu season including the spread of the H1N1 virus, many people may be uncertain what to do if they have symptoms.
Carl LeBuhn, M.D., infectious disease physician in Paducah, said they should call their doctor to determine whether or not they need to see a doctor or receive any medication.
If you develop flu-like symptoms, he advised contacting your healthcare provider quickly. “If treatment with anti-viral medication is to be effective,” he said, “it should be administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.”
Dr. LeBuhn also recommends calling your physician before visiting. “If the symptoms are mild, patients can probably avoid the ER or their doctor’s office and help try to prevent spreading the illness to other people.”
The Centers for Disease Control offer this advice at cdc.gov:
“The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it.”
Lourdes and Western Baptist Hospital emergency department physicians said not all patients presenting with flu-like symptoms need emergency treatment.
The good news is that most people who get the H1N1 flu will experience mild symptoms. “So far we have not seen any critically ill patients,” said Brian Hawkins, M.D., emergency medicine physician at Western Baptist.
Monitoring symptoms is key to knowing when to see your doctor, said Brian VanderBoegh, M.D., emergency medicine director at Lourdes. “People may be able to avoid the flu and prevent a trip to the emergency room by getting a flu vaccine.”
The seasonal flu vaccine is now available. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available by mid-October.
Emergency warning signs
There are "emergency warning signs" for children and adults that require urgent medical attention. The CDC advises calling your doctor or going to the emergency room immediately, if you have these symptoms:
ADULTS
• High or prolonged fever
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Near-fainting or fainting
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
CHILDREN
• High or prolonged fever
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Changes in mental state such as not waking up or interacting
• Being so cranky that they don't want to be held
• Seizures
• Flu-like symptoms get better but then return with fever and worse cough
Meanwhile, to limit spreading of the flu, Dr. LeBuhn reminds people to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands frequently and stay home when they are sick.
These precautions are particularly important for those at greater risk for H1N1 -- children 5 and younger, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions.
For more information, see cdc.gov or contact your healthcare provider.