Flu: to consult or not?

The flu is notorious for its unpleasantness. Most healthy people recover from influenza on their own within 5 to 7 days. That’s why a trip to the clinic or emergency room with the flu is often unnecessary. However, the severity of your symptoms or your risk of complications may require a medical visit.
Find out which situation applies to you.

I stay at home, quiet…

…. because my flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or joint pain, extreme fatigue and headaches) are mild and I am NOT one of those at risk of complications. Since there is no miracle cure for the influenza virus, avoid going to a clinic and follow these tips for a speedy recovery:

– rest;
– since fever makes you sweat, drink plenty of fluids (water, juice, broth). Avoid coffee, tea and energy drinks, which are diuretic;
– for fever and pain relief, acetaminophen (^Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (^Advil®) are effective. Always follow the dosage instructions.

I consult my doctor

… when I have flu symptoms and one of these symptoms:
– pain that increases or persists when breathing;
– fever that increases or persists for more than 5 days;
– symptoms that worsen or do not improve after 7 days.

I go to the emergency room

… when I have flu symptoms and one of these symptoms:
– difficulty breathing;
– blue lips;
– intense chest or head pain;
– drowsiness, difficulty staying awake, weakness, confusion, disorientation, convulsions;
– absence of urine for 12 hours, intense thirst.

Stay alert!

These people are at greater risk of complications:
– babies under 6 months of age;
– children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain chronic diseases;
– adults with certain chronic diseases (including pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy);
– pregnant women in their^2nd and^3rd trimesters;
– people aged 75 and over.