Flu symptoms that could signal an emergency
The American College of Emergency Physicians developed these guidelines for people 18 and older who think they might have the flu.
Do you have a fever or feel feverish and have a cough and/or sore throat?
If no, it is unlikely that you require emergency care for influenza at this point in your illness.
If yes: Do you have any of the following warning signs of severe illness:
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain?
• Breathing rate over 24 breaths per minute?
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips?
• Vomiting and inability to keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration (Examples include headache, extreme thirst, dizziness when standing, and decreased urination)
• Confusion or change in either behavior or alertness?
• Convulsions or seizure?
• If you have a blood pressure device, is the top number less than 100?
If you answer yes to any of these questions: You should go to the emergency department for evaluation.
If all answers are no: Do you have any of the following conditions?
• Age 65 or older
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Severely overweight
• Have an organ transplant
• HIV/AIDS
• Require kidney dialysis
• Chronic heart disease (congestive heart failure or severe coronary artery disease)
• Receiving or completed chemotherapy in past 30 days
• Have an immune compromised condition or taking steroid medications (like cortisone)
• Sickle cell
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic breathing difficulty such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• A disease that weakens the muscles such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury
• A disease that makes it hard to think or remember such as stroke, brain injury, dementia, or Alzheimer's
If you have any of these conditions, and you have a fever or feel feverish and have a cough and/or sore throat, you should call your primary care physician or seek care from a walk-in clinic.
If you do not have one of these conditions or warning signs of severe illness: You should rest at home until you feel better. You may also take medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your fever. You should rest, eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
If you get worse, you may apply this guidance again to help you decide about seeking emergency care. If you feel that you are having an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.