Flu - When do I call the office?
There is a lot of concern this fall with the H1N1 flu. We always want to see you child if you are concerned, but most healthy school aged children who develop H1N1 flu do not need to see the doctor. If your child has mild flu symptoms and you are wondering if you should schedule an appointment, look for these signs:
- Trouble breathing or very fast breathing
- Not drinking well
- Not urinating as much as usual- usually at least every 6-8 hours
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Being irritable even after their fever goes down
- Not waking up normally or interacting normally
- Rash
- The fever goes down and flu symptoms get better, but then get worse again a day or two later.
Children at higher risk should consider seeing the doctor. Children with chronic illness (i.e. asthma) or childen 4 and younger, especially children under 2 are at higher risk from complications from influenza.