When to seek medical care

In most cases, you won't need to seek medical attention for the flu. The best remedy is staying home, getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of liquids. Because the flu is highly contagious, it's important for you to avoid contact with people as much as possible, and to not leave your home unless absolutely necessary.

However, if you contract the flu and are at high risk for flu complications, you should contact your primary care physician to determine if you need additional medical care. People who may be at high risk for complications to the flu include:

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 2 years old
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

Any person should seek immediate emergency care if they experience any of the following symptoms:

Children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Irritability and an aversion to being held
• Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

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 improve but then return with fever and worse cough