Onslow County Health Department Nursing Director, Francine Reeves states that most people with flu symptoms can be safely cared for at home.  Unless you are at high risk for flu complications or are experiencing very severe symptoms, you will not have to be seen by a health provider.  Generally, persons with the flu will feel better after a week, but coughing and tiredness may last for several weeks.  “However, it is important to know the danger signs that might indicate that a person is not getting better and needs to be seen by a health care provider,” cautioned Reeves.    

    The Onslow County Health Department recommends calling your health care provider if you or a family member experiences any of the following symptoms or emergency warning signs:  

• Signs of dehydration, particularly in young infants, children, and the elderly.  Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, dizziness, not urinating or going to the bathroom (few wet diapers), weakness, not having tears, and confusion or irritability.
• Symptoms that get worse or return after the person begins to feel better.  This may be a sign that the person is developing an infection, like pneumonia.
• Vomiting that is severe or that lasts longer than 24 hours in an adult or 12 hours in a child.
• Coughing up mucus that is thick or yellow-green, or has blood in it.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; bluish or gray skin.
• Extreme irritability, confusion, fainting.
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing or a stiff neck.
• Being pregnant or having an existing medical condition, such as heart disease, asthma, or diabetes that seems to be getting worse. 
• Having any symptoms that seem very severe or that are not getting better.

    Reeves stressed that sick people should stay home at least 24 hours after they are free of fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications like Tylenol.  To prevent the spread of flu to others in the office, clinic or emergency room, call your medical provider first before arriving unless there are emergency warning signs.       Typically, it is not necessary for children to be seen by a doctor in order to return to school or childcare; a note from the parent is sufficient according to most school and childcare policies. 

Call the Onslow County Health Department at 347-7042 or your medical provider for more information.

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