ER Not Recommended for Most with Flu Symptoms

By John D. Hubbard

Pictured is Dr. Michael Jastremski, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Emergency Medicine Director for Community Memorial Hospital of Hamilton.

“Most people with the flu don’t belong in the emergency room,” advises Community Memorial Hospital Vice President of Medical Affairs and Emergency Medicine Director Dr. Michael Jastremski. “An otherwise healthy person with no risk factors is going to feel lousy for a week and then get better. There is no treatment recognized for people over the age of two.”

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, congestion, dry cough, body aches, fatigue and, in some people, nausea and diarrhea. The best treatment is bed rest, fluids and acetaminophen. Patients are cautioned about using aspirin that has been linked to serious complications.

“It is far better for most people who suspect they have the flu to stay out of doctors’ offices and emergency rooms where they might expose others,” says Dr. Jastremski.

When to Seek Medical Care

People with flu symptoms with these emergency warning signs should get medical care.

Children:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking or 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

Adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Fever with a rash

John D. Hubbard is Director of Public Relations for Community Memorial Hospital of Hamilton. He can be reached at jhubbard@cmhhamilton.org.

ER Not Recommended for Most with Flu Symptoms

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