By Julie Stachowiak, PhD
Multiple Sclerosis Guide; Guest blogger
With all of the fervor around H1N1 (Swine Flu), it is tempting to run to an emergency room the minute that your throat gets a little scratchy.
That is not such a good idea, say experts from Loyola University. Not only could lots of panicky people rushing to the emergency room really mess up their ability to care for people who really need it, it is also not a good place for someone who is already sick with something to be hanging out, as there are plenty of other germs in crowded ERs that could cause additional problems.
Instead, experts advise to call your doctor first. He or she should be able to give you advice on what next steps are - most likely, unless you are in a high-risk group or exhibiting certain warning signs, you doc will probably tell you to stay put, rest, drink plenty of liquids and all of the normal care for viral infections.
Here are the people that docs will want to see if they get flu symptoms, so that an antiviral can be prescribed as soon as possible (they may even call it in to a pharmacy without needing you to come in if they think symptoms warrant immediate treatment):
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5 years old
- Adults 65 years and older
- People with certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions
- Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
Also, there ARE some warning signs that require emergency medical treatment. For children these include:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Extreme lethargy , tiredness, not waking up
- High fever with flu-like symptoms and a rash (which may improve only to return)
In adults, emergency warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness and confusion
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Again, if you or your child is exhibiting ANY of these symptoms (or falls into any of the above high-risk categories), take action as soon as possible, as the antiviral treatment works best within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset. However, even if it is just a scratchy throat or a teeny-tiny little fever in yourself or your child, DO call your doc and let him or her make the call on what to do next.
