When to Seek Medical Care about the Flu

Most people who get the flu will have mild illness and will recover without needing medical care or antiviral drugs. Consider calling your doctor for advice if you get sick with flu-like symptoms and:

• You are at high risk of flu-related complications.
• You have any questions or concerns about your illness.

Your doctor can advise you over the phone if you need to come in for an appointment or start taking antiviral drugs. Calling first may let you avoid an unnecessary visit and will help keep doctors’ offices from becoming overwhelmed. It will also reduce the number of people who spread the flu to others in waiting rooms. People who do not need to be seen by a doctor can be treated for the flu at home.

Emergency Warning Signs

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.