When to See the Doctor Over the Flu
With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 mimicking cold and flu symptoms, it makes for a very confusing time if you’re at home with symptoms.
In addition to a cough, sore throat, and runny nose, signs of the flu include fever, tiredness, and head and body aches.
Center’s Healthcare has details on when you should see a doctor for the flu.
Get Tested
If you work outside the house and need to be tested over an illness with COVID-19 being a threat, you can go to your doctor’s office or an urgent care location to get tested for COVID-19 and the flu.
If you have the flu, you may be prescribed antivirals (like Tamiflu) that will make symptoms milder and can also shorten the time that you feel sick.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Outside of being tested, staying at home and resting is oftentimes enough to combat the flu. You’ll want to get plenty of rest, drink fluids to avoid dehydration, and take over-the-counter pain medications as needed.
As for when you should seek medical treatment for the flu:
- Signs of Severe Illness
Difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe muscle pain, or not being able to urinate are all reasons to get medical care as soon as possible.
- High-Risk Factors
If you’re pregnant, diabetic, have a lung disorder, or even if you are just over the age of 65, you should at least call your doctor for guidance once you start showing flu symptoms.
- Reoccurrence of Symptoms
You’ll also want to get checked out if your symptoms go away and then come back, especially if they are worse than they originally were.
