When to get treatment for the flu
controlled. Pregnancy. Obesity. Of course, anyone with the flu can get complications, so it is important to know about them whatever your age, ethnicity or health status – but it is especially important to be vigilant if you are in a high risk group, or are caring for someone who is.
The most common complications include:
Pneumonia – this serious infection of the lungs can be either viral (due to the primary infection with the flu virus), or bacterial (due to a secondary infection, taking ‘‘advantage’’ of the fact you are unwell).
Acute bronchitis – this infection of the airways affects about 20 per cent of people with flu.
Exacerbations of underlying lung diseases, such as asthma. Sinusitis. Febrile convulsions (seizures in young children due to high fevers). Heart failure. Guillain-barre syndrome – a progressive paralysis of muscles, which is sometimes irreversible.
Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain. Many of these complications will require treatment, either in hospital or at home, with antibiotics, antiviral therapies or other supportive measures such as oxygen or help with breathing, to enable the best chance of recovery. The quicker the complication is picked up and diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat effectively – so don’t delay if you, or a loved one, display any worrying signs.
This can be a difficult decision to make, but as a rule of thumb if you are getting worse with time, rather than better, it is safest to get checked up – no doctor will mind reassuring you and providing some peace of mind, which will often be all that is required.
In particular, the following symptoms can indicate you are developing a complication and might need further treatment:
A high fever that doesn’t settle, despite regular analgesia such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Chills or severe shaking. Difficulty breathing or pain in your chest.
Purplish or blue colouration of your fingers, toes or lips. Seizures or convulsions. Severe headache, neck stiffness or vomiting.
Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness on standing, a dry mouth, or decreased urination.
Confusion or reduced responsiveness. Babies and young children will obviously not be able to tell you when they are feeling worse, but if your child displays any of the above symptoms, stops drinking, or becomes limp, drowsy or irritable, it is crucial to get urgent medical help.
If you are in any doubt as to whether you or someone you are caring for might be developing complications of a flu infection, I would recommend calling either your doctor’s surgery or Healthline on 0800 611 116 and requesting urgent advice.
Dr Cathy Stephenson is a GP and forensic medical examiner.