Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that usually clears up on its own after a short period of time.
However, in some cases the flu can lead to life-threatening complications. Knowing when to seek medical attention is important to staying healthy.
1. When should you be hospitalized for the flu?
According to information from the National Health Service (NHS), you should seek urgent medical attention if you experience the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing: If you feel short of breath or are breathing faster than usual, this could be a sign of pneumonia or other serious complications.
- Chest or abdominal pain: Chest or abdominal pain can indicate a serious problem related to the heart or lungs.
- Confusion or changes in mental state: If you feel confused, can't concentrate, or have changes in your mental state, this could be a sign of lack of oxygen or other serious problems.
- Persistent high fever: Fever above 39°C does not decrease after taking fever-reducing medicine or lasts more than 3 days.
- Feeling very tired, weak or dizzy: If you feel very tired, weak or dizzy to the point of being unable to stand up, seek medical attention immediately.
2. High-risk groups need early hospitalization
According to information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following groups of people are at high risk of serious complications from the flu and should be hospitalized early if they have symptoms.
- Children under 5 years old, especially under 2 years old.
- Adults 65 years of age and older.
- Pregnant women or within 2 weeks after giving birth.
- People with weakened immune systems due to illness or medication.
- People with chronic diseases such as: asthma, heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes or kidney disease.
- Obese people with BMI ≥ 40.
