How do you know when your flu symptoms warrant a trip to the Emergency Department?
Dr. John Sutherland, an emergency physician at Redland Hospital, advises people to be aware of when emergency care is necessary for flu symptoms.
"The vast majority of people recover from the flu without needing emergency care, and if you have mild (but unpleasant ) symptoms, it’s much better to stay at home in bed, than attend the Emergency Department which often results in waiting with many other people,” he said.
“Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
“Prepare a stockpile of essentials near your bed or couch, including tissues, cough drops, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.
"Medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are ideal for treating the fevers, aches and pains that we commonly see with the flu. Avoiding unnecessary contact with others whilst you are symptomatic can help reduce the spread of flu”.
The influenza viruses are highly contagious and mainly affect the respiratory system, but feeling generally lethargic with generalised muscle pains are also common features. Whilst influenza is most common during winter, it can occur all year round. Symptoms usually last about a week but can persist longer in some cases.
More than 1000 cases of influenza were reported in Metro South Health in the past week which is much more than we have seen in recent years.
Certain groups of people are more likely to experience severe flu symptoms and these high risk groups are more likely to develop more serious complications :
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with diabetes, lung or heart disease or other chronic conditions
Children are also affected , in particular those under the age of 1yr. If they appear to be struggling to breathe, or are not feeding well then it would be best to arrange to see a doctor”
Dr Sutherland said it is important to recognise the signs that indicate immediate medical attention.
“Signs of severe flu illness can include confusion, difficulty breathing, and worsening of existing health conditions.
“Patients in high-risk groups may benefit from early review by their general practioner – these groups may benefit from treatment with established antiviral drugs (tamiflu) which can decrease the likelihood of developing sever complications."
Dr. Sutherland said that getting vaccinated every year could prevent the flu in both adults and children.
"Annual vaccination is crucial because the flu strains can change each year.
"The best time to get vaccinated is before the flu season starts," advises Dr. Sutherland.
“I would strongly recommend getting an up-to-date flu vaccination for those that have not already had one this year.
Knowing when to seek medical help is important. In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. If you're unsure whether to go to the emergency department, the online symptom checker can guide you to the right health care option. If your symptoms are hard to describe call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
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2023-07-04 06:13:42Z
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