When to Seek Emergency Medical Help for the Flu

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The flu virus continues to spread across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention closely tracking the number of confirmed cases and urging stringent precautions to minimize its impact. San Angelo Community Medical Center continues to see flu-symptomatic patients in the emergency room and numerous patients have been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications.

According to Sheryl Pfluger, marketing director for SACMC, the hospital is seeing a 90% increase in positive flu results and 54% increase in testing of patients in the ER compared to this time last year.

While most people will be able to endure the flu’s effects on their bodies and recover, others are at high risk for suffering complications and needing emergency intervention. Individuals at a higher risk include babies and children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals with lung disease – such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“Beyond feeling miserable, flu can develop into something much more serious, particularly for individuals who are at higher risk," said John Canion, a physician assistant at SACMC’s emergency department. “It’s important for these individuals to be monitored closely so they receive timely medical help if needed.”

Unlike a cold, the flu typically comes on suddenly. The most common symptoms are fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect you have the flu virus, the CDC recommends seeking care from your doctor or an urgent care clinic, where you can be tested.

When you or someone for whom you’re caring experiences any of the following symptoms – the CDC recommends seeking help from the closest emergency department:

Infants

Trouble breathing
No tears when crying
Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

Children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

Adults 

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

“Flu can become deadly, so it’s important to act promptly if these symptoms appear," said Canion. “And it’s still not too late to get a flu shot this year, which can lessen your chances of getting sick.”

To find a primary care doctor, visit the “Find a Doctor” link on SACMC’s home page www.sacmc.com.

You may also visit a Community ExpressCare Walk-in Clinic Monday – Sunday, 7am – 8pm.

ExpressCare – Bryant, 402 N. Bryant

ExpressCare – Sherwood Way, 5730 Sherwood Way.