Flu season can be a stressful time, and while many people recover from the flu at home with rest and hydration, there are certain symptoms that signal when urgent care attention is necessary. Knowing when to seek medical care can help prevent complications and ensure that you or your loved ones get the care they need. Here are some flu symptoms that require immediate medical attention:
- High Fever and Severe Pain
A fever above 103°F (39.4°C) can be a sign of a severe flu infection, especially if it’s accompanied by intense headaches, body aches, or joint pain. While fever is common with the flu, an excessively high fever can be dangerous. If you experience this symptom along with chills, confusion, or difficulty breathing, it’s time to seek urgent care attention immediately.
- Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath
If you’re experiencing trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or tightness in your chest, these are signs that flu complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, could be developing. These symptoms may indicate that your respiratory system is being severely impacted by the flu, requiring immediate medical intervention to avoid further complications. - Chest Pain
Flu can sometimes cause chest pain, particularly if it leads to complications like pneumonia. If you’re feeling chest pain or discomfort that persists or worsens, it’s important to seek urgent care attention. Chest pain can also be a sign of more serious conditions, so it’s always better to get checked by a medical professional. - Confusion or Severe Dizziness
If the flu causes confusion, extreme dizziness, or difficulty staying conscious, it may be a sign that your body is struggling to fight off the infection. These symptoms could also indicate that your flu has led to dehydration or other serious complications. Seeking urgent care attention as soon as possible is essential to address these issues. - Sudden, Persistent Vomiting
Vomiting that doesn’t subside, especially if it’s accompanied by dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness), can be a sign that the flu has severely impacted your body. Prolonged vomiting can cause additional health risks, making it crucial to seek medical attention to prevent dehydration.
Conclusion
While most flu symptoms can be treated at home with rest and fluids, it’s important to know when to get help. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms like those mentioned above, don’t hesitate to seek urgent care attention. NovaHealth Urgent Care is here to provide timely and effective care to help you recover faster and stay safe during flu season.
This post was written by a professional at NovaHealth Urgent Care of Southfield. At NovaHealth Urgent Care of Southfield, our mission is to make patients feel valued and well cared for. We provide convenient, quality, and care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Our certified providers offer best-in-class urgent care clinic near you in clean, modern facilities. Located at W 10 Mile Rd. & Beech Rd., we are open 365 days a year: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, and weekends, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. NovaHealth proudly serves Southfield City, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Farmington, Detroit, and more. Whether you need treatment for a minor injury, illness, or routine health service, we are here to help. Click here to learn more!