Published on December 6, 2022
Read Time: 3 Minutes
By Anaid Hernandez-Sanchez, MD
Phelps Health
You wake up one morning with a fever, sore throat and a stuffy nose. You realize you may have the flu.
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect a person’s nose, throat and lungs. Flu season generally occurs in the fall and winter.
Most people with the flu have a mild case and don’t need medical care. If you do get infected with the flu, you may ask yourself, when should I call my doctor?
Contact your doctor if you have a cough, runny nose and sore throat, along with these symptoms:
- Fever (more than 100 degrees F)
- Severe muscle pain (usually back pain)
- Severe headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Children younger than age 5, adults ages 65 and older and pregnant women are all at a higher risk for complications from the flu.
In addition, people with chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uncontrolled diabetes, liver disease and other similar conditions, are considered to be at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
You should go to the emergency department or call 911 if you have the flu and experience any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pressure or pain
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe vomiting
When it comes to treating the flu with medications, antiviral medicines can help people avoid getting sicker from the flu. However, not every person with the flu needs antivirals.
Antibiotics do not help or treat flu symptoms. Antibiotics work against diseases caused by bacteria, and the flu is caused by a virus.
If you have general flu symptoms, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), unless your healthcare provider has advised you not to take those medicines.
Over-the-counter medicine can be used to treat a runny nose or cough, but use caution when taking these medicines.
Also, make sure to drink plenty of fluids, rest and eat healthy.
If you’re sick with the flu, remain home from work, school and other crowded areas until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever without the use of medicines, such as Tylenol, Advil or naproxen (Aleve).
The best way to protect yourself against the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year.
While the flu vaccine is more effective some years than others, getting vaccinated still helps prevent some cases of the flu.
The flu vaccine also can help keep you from getting severely ill if you do come down with the flu.
Finally, remember to stay away from people who are sick and wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Getting the flu vaccine later is better than not getting the flu vaccine at all. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a flu vaccine and other ways you can protect yourself and your family from the flu.
With MyChart, you can send your doctor messages and ask questions about flu symptoms, and if you need to see your doctor, you can make an appointment.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 21, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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Anaid Hernandez-Sanchez, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician at Phelps Health. To establish care with a primary care provider at Phelps Health, visit phelpshealth.org or call (573) 364-9000.