Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
If your child or grandchild develops any of the above symptoms, see the previous paragraph.
You should only go to the Emergency Department if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as asthma, COPD, CHF, etc. and have an exacerbation (worsening) of those conditions. Children should only come to the Emergency Department if they are vomiting and unable to take medicines and fluids.
Likewise, please take and/or administer, acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever. The ED Personnel will believe you if you report a fever of 102+ at home! Do not withhold medicine to "show" or "prove" how high a fever is. Also, invest in a simple thermometer, they can be purchased for less than $3.00 at many stores. The difference means unnecessary blood tests, urinary catheterizations, IV fluids, x-rays, lumbar punctures, etc.
Unless the patient has a pre-existing medical condition that has been exacerbated, or severely abnormal vital signs, influenza by itself is not a medical emergency. Expect to wait to be seen. In addition; if the patient has a non-influenza related illness, after waiting several hours in an ED Lobby they will more than likely be exposed to influenza...
No comments:
Post a Comment