Symptoms of the Flu

You feel as though climbing out of bed would be painful. You”re tired, sick to your stomach and craving nothing to eat except maybe your mother”s chicken soup. You may have the flu. The flu is not necessarily an everyday ailment. In fact, each year it kills thousands of people. Some of these instances may have been prevented with better treatment or care that is obtained sooner rather than later. Don”t worry about your health insurance or missing a day of work. Instead, know when it is essential that you make it in to see your doctor. 

Do You Have the Flu? 
Understanding the symptoms of the flu is your first step. These can be different for each person, and the flu is a type of ailment that does change and morph over time. The most common symptoms include: 

• Fever
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Body aches and pains
• Congestion
• Diarrhea and vomiting (though it is not always the case)
• Chills
• Headaches 

When Do You Need to Go to the Emergency Room? 
If you feel bad, call your doctor to get an appointment if possible. However, there are some instances in which you may want to go into an Urgent Care medical facility or an emergency room for immediate care. Those symptoms include: 

• You are very sick and have been for a few days
• You experience fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Blue coloring to the skin
• Unable to eat
• Lack of tears when crying
• Not drinking fluids
• Irritable
• Fever with a rash 

It is also important to keep in mind that children who are under the age of 10 often have a hard time communicating what is wrong, especially when they are facing complications from this condition.  

With your health insurance card in hand and perhaps a call in to the family doctor, do not waste time getting a very sick person to the emergency room for care. Oftentimes complications can come on suddenly. For those at a high-risk level—such as being under the age of five, elderly, pregnant or with a weakened immune system—it”s critical to get help right away. 

Your health is our priority. Call Active Insurance at one of our locations for more information on health insurance.