Swine Flu Information
When to Go to the Emergency Room and When to Stay Home with the Flu
Oct 28, 2009
With flu season in full swing, cases of both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza strain are already on the rise. The CDC reports 46 states as having “widespread activity” of the flu, and those with influenza-like illness (ILI) are going to the doctor at a much higher rate than expected.
Visits to the emergency department are also increasing among those with ILI. While some may need emergency medical attention, this greatly increases the chance of the flu spreading to other patients and staff. As a result, some hospitals have released statements encouraging patients with ILI to stay out of emergency departments unless they have very specific symptoms.
When to go to the ER with Flu Symptoms
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has posted these guidelines to help determine when or if it is time to go to the Emergency Room:
In children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
If these symptoms are present, it may be time to go to the emergency department. Otherwise, it may be best to just stay home. Even visiting a doctor's office can greatly increase the chance that the disease will spread, so it is recommended that patients call their doctor before deciding to visit.
What Medications are Available for the Swine Flu?
It’s important to remember that both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu are viruses, therefore taking an antibiotic is not an effective treatment. Instead, antiviral drugs are available to lessen symptoms and help reduce the risk of serious complications. The two main antiviral drugs approved for use are Tamiflu and Relenza.
The WebMd states, “Tamiflu....is approved for both treating and preventing flu in people one year of age and older. Relenza is approved for treating flu in people seven years and older and for preventing flu in people five years and older.” These drugs are not available over the counter, so a doctor must prescribe them. They are also intended for those who have been hospitalized and/or have a risk for complications. They are generally not prescribed to those who have mild flu symptoms.
Consider Getting the Flu Vaccine
To minimize the risk of getting the flu, use good handwashing technique and consider the benefits and risks of the vaccine.
These two flu strains are different and they are both no doubt highly contagious. Still, most people who contract the H1N1 virus will recover without serious complications. If symptoms are mild and reminiscent of the flu, stay home and do not go to the emergency room. The simple act of staying home may help greatly reduce the rate of infection.
Source:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
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