Many people welcome the fall and winter every year, but one downside of the arrival of these seasons is the fact that influenza becomes more widespread as flu season begins. North America experiences a flu season every year, but no one ever knows the exact strains of influenza that will be most prevalent. Most people who contract the flu may feel terrible, but they will recover without any complications after getting a lot of rest at home. However, influenza can be very dangerous, and there are times where people may need to seek medical care. Some of the top reasons to see a doctor when you have the flu include:
Severe Symptoms Just Started
Many people describe having the flu as feeling like they were hit by a truck. You can feel fine one day, and the next day you may have body pains, chills, a high fever, a cough, and extreme fatigue. While there is no cure for the flu, if you see your doctor shortly after you develop flu symptoms, he or she can prescribe antiviral medications that can help you. When antiviral medications are prescribed early, people often find that their flu symptoms do not last as long. The key is to see your healthcare doctor as quickly as possible since there is a short period of time for antivirals to have any effect on flu symptoms.
Shortness of Breath
Influenza is an upper respiratory issue, but the majority of people with a normal case of the flu will not have difficulty breathing. If you're ill with the flu and begin having noticeable difficulty breathing, it is important to make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. In many cases, shortness of breath when a person has the flu is an indication of a serious complication, such as pneumonia. It is essential to receive prompt medical treatment if you have developed pneumonia while sick with the flu.
Frequent Vomiting
Frequent vomiting while you have the flu puts your body at risk of extreme dehydration. If you are unable to keep any fluids down because you're vomiting so often, you should contact your doctor to see if IV hydration is necessary. Another reason to see your doctor for vomiting when you have the flu is the fact that it can be a sign of sepsis, a rare complication of the flu. Sepsis can lead to organ failure and even death, so prompt medical care is extremely important.
Share30 October 2019
My name is Dan and this is my blog. I am a recently singled father of three that is learning everything about caring for my kids as I go along. Before my wife passed, she was the one that took care of the kids when they were sick or injured, so I had a lot of learning to do and I had to do it as quickly as possible. I got together with some of the parents from my kids' school and they helped out quite a bit. I created my blog for two reasons - to keep my facts straight and to help other parents learn what I have struggled to learn.