Flu

Emergency Room and Emergency Care Services for Flu

Flu can be a medical emergency. ER of Texas provides 24-hour emergency care with no wait.

During peak flu season from October to March, it’s important to be prepared. Getting the flu shot is one of the best ways you can protect yourself from this potentially deadly viral infection. While some may think the flu is just a bad cold, this is far from the truth, and you shouldn’t underestimate it. Anyone can catch seasonal flu, with its symptoms of terrible fatigue, achiness, and fever.

What Is the Flu?

Influenza – more commonly called the flu – is a contagious respiratory illness infecting the nose and throat, and sometimes the lungs. The symptoms may range from mild to severe, and even life-threatening. It’s especially dangerous for those who have health problems like diabetes or heart disease. Young children and older adults are at higher risk for the flu.

Symptoms of the flu include:

  • Feeling extremely hot and/or getting the chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion
  • Achiness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Fever

What Is the Difference Between the Flu vs. the Common Cold?

It’s easy to confuse the two, but a cold is milder than the flu. People infected with seasonal flu often have fevers, chills, cough, fatigue, achiness, and a headache. Less common symptoms are sneezing, sore throat, stuffiness, or stomach problems.

Flu Symptoms vs. COVID-19 Symptoms

Because both influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, they share a lot of similar symptoms. However, both of these contagious diseases are caused by a different virus. COVID-19 results when a person is infected with the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, whereas the flu is caused by various influenza viruses. As a result, there are a few noticeable differences in flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms.

Is the Flu a Medical Emergency?

The flu may be deadly, but unfortunately, many think it’s not that serious. In fact, anywhere from 69,000 to 84,000 people are hospitalized from the flu in any given year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Emergency warning signs of the flu include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Persistent, severe vomiting
  • Fever that doesn’t respond to medication
  • Fever with rash
  • Pain or pressure in the abdomen or chest

Contact us at ER of Texas today or simply walk in to our nearest freestanding Dallas emergency room to get tested.

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