HHS HealthBeat (December 24, 2009)

When do you need more help?

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Most of the time, the best thing to do for the flu is treat symptoms and wait it out. Other times, that’s not enough, and you may need to seek more help.

But hospitals want to focus on people with greatest need. So how can you tell when to seek medical help?

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Joe Bresee:

[Dr. Joe Bresee speaks] "People with the following symptoms should call for emergency medical help immediately:

• Signs of breathing or heart problems, like chest pain, shortness of breath, bluish or purplish lips
• Signs of dehydration, like yellowish or leathery skin, decreased urination, or confusion. Sometimes, children will have no tears when they cry."

Common symptoms of seasonal and H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, and tiredness. 

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011