Swine influenza A (H1N1) is a viral infection. It can cause flu-like symptoms: (not always present), headache, body aches, coughing, sore throat and tiredness. Some people may also have some vomiting and diarrhea. If you get sick, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Swine (H1N1) flu is thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing or from contact with body fluids.
The decision to call the doctor
Not everyone who thinks they might have swine flu needs to go to the doctor. It appears that most people will recover from this illness without needing medical care. Certain people, though, are at higher risk for complications from the swine flu, and they should call the doctor about getting antiviral medication if they have any symptoms. Also, you need to seek medical care if any of your symptoms are severe or if you are just not getting better. If you do get sick, remember to stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Pros and cons of going to the doctor for flu symptoms
Pros:
The upside of seeing your doctor for flu symptoms is that you may get a diagnosis and perhaps ease your worry. Your doctor may determine that you have cold or allergy symptoms rather than flu. Also on the plus side, if you do have seasonal flu or swine flu, you can talk to your doctor about whether you need antivirals. You'll also know to take extra precautions to avoid contact with other people.
Cons:
By going to your doctor for flu symptoms, you may have extra costs for unnecessary medical care. Most people who aren't at risk for complications get better on their own and don't need medical care. Also, simply going to the doctor's office can expose you to the flu or other viruses. Or, you can spread your own illness to others.
Personal values in the decision making
It's also important to weigh your personal values in deciding whether to see your doctor. Ask yourself if you feel confident handling flu symptoms at home or if you prefer specific instructions from your doctor. If a simple trip to the doctor can ease your mind and get you on the road to better health, it may be worth the time and expense. Always call your doctor if you have any questions at all about whether or not you should make an appointment.
Before you go to the doctor
Most people get better without medical treatment. But, if you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a facemask if you can. Also call ahead to the doctor's office and let them know you are coming in with flu symptoms. They may have a special procedure for you when you arrive to avoid spreading the illness to others.
Based on your symptoms, medical history and exposure history, your doctor will decide if you need testing or treatment for swine flu. But as the flu becomes more widespread, less testing will be needed, so your doctor may decide not to test for the flu virus.
The doctor can also suggest how to help you get better and prevent spreading the virus to others.
If you have a severe illness or are at high risk for complications from the flu or swine flu, you should call or see your doctor.
Who is at high risk?
At this time, experts think the same groups who are at higher risk for complications from seasonal flu are also at high risk for complications from swine flu. This includes:
- Pregnant women and women who gave birth or lost a pregnancy less than two weeks earlier
- People aged 65 and older
- Children younger than 5 (especially those less than 2 years of age)
- Those age 19 and younger who are on long-term aspirin therapy and are therefore at increased risk for Reye syndrome with the flu
- Anyone with a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
- Children with developmental disabilities
- People who have a weakened immune system because of cancer, HIV or medications
- People who live in nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities
Though healthy adults over the age of 64 do not appear to be at increased risk for complications from swine flu, they do appear to need to be hospitalized more often if they come down with it. But, they also appear to be less likely than younger people to get the virus, according to the CDC.
When do I need emergency medical care?
These symptoms always need emergency medical attention:
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Passing out or seizures
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Getting better, then return of fever and worsening cough
- High fever that does not respond to treatment
In children, these additional symptoms need emergency medical attention:
- Not able to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated
- High fever or fever with rash
- Your child is extremely irritable (can't be comforted)
Call 9-1-1 if:
- Skin is turning blue
- You can't wake up your child or your child is not responding to you
Do not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill with flu symptoms. If you don't have the flu, you could catch it from people there who do have it.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about whether or not you need to be seen for your flu symptoms, or if you are worried.
