When to Seek Care

When to Seek Medical Care

If you have flu symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others.

Even if your symptoms are mild or you only have a few symptoms, you may still have the flu. You can spread the flu to other people, including those who may become very sick.

Most people with the flu do not need emergency care. If you are at high risk for serious flu illness, contact your doctor or care team as soon as symptoms start. They can tell you if you need testing or treatment.

Emergency Warning Signs of Flu Complications

Get medical care right away if you or someone you care for has any of these warning signs.

In Children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Blue, gray or pale lips, face or skin
• Skin pulling in between the ribs when breathing
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain, such as refusing to walk
• Signs of dehydration, including:
  • No urination for 8 hours
  • Dry mouth
  • No tears when crying
• Not awake, alert or responding normally
• Seizures
• Fever above 104 degrees F that does not improve with fever-reducing medication
• Any fever in babies younger than 12 weeks
• Fever or cough that gets better but then comes back or gets worse
• Worsening of a long-term health condition

In Adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Ongoing dizziness, confusion or difficulty waking up
• Seizures
• Not urinating or urinating much less than usual
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or trouble walking
• Fever or cough that gets better but then comes back or gets worse
• Worsening of a long-term health condition

Important

This list does not include every possible warning sign. Contact your doctor or care team if symptoms are severe, worry you or get worse.