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When to seek ER care for flu

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6:51 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Many individuals are not sure when H1N1 flu symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room. The following are some questions you can ask to help in making a determination.

If you are 18 or older and have symptoms that feel like 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 “Yes” to any of these questions: You should go to the emergency department for evaluation.

If all answers are No and you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, severe obesity, compromised immunity, pregnancy or asthma, 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 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.

Source: The American College of Emergency Physicians

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