In 2004, a collaborative group of physicians and researchers retrospectively evaluated flu-related hospitalizations between 1979 and 2001. Their findings, published in the Sept. 14, 2004 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," indicate that approximately 200,000 Americans are hospitalized each year for complications of flu and about 36,000 die. Interestingly, these numbers appear to be increasing. Learning killer flu symptoms helps save lives by letting patients and caregivers know when it's time to go to the emergency room.
Breathing Problems
Respiratory symptoms of flu such as cough, sore throat and nasal congestion often make breathing uncomfortable, however they do not interfere with oxygenation. Breathing problems that interfere with oxygenation need to be evaluated urgently because respiratory failure can develop rapidly in patients with flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning signs of breathing problems include fast breathing (greater than 12 to 16 breaths per minute), labored breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and blueish color around the mouth and tips of fingers and toes.
Altered Mental Status
Fatigue is a common symptom of flu, however patients who can't be roused, don't respond normally when roused, complain of sudden dizziness or experience seizures or sudden loss of consciousness need to be seen in the emergency room as soon as possible. Mental status changes may signal something that is easily remedied, such as dehydration, or something more severe like flu-related brain inflammation called encephalitis. However, the key point Drs. C. Keith Stone and Roger L. Humphries, MD stress in "Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Emergency Medicine" is that sudden changes in mental status need to be evaluated in the emergency room.
Skin Rash
Secondary bacterial infections with staphylococcus or streptococcus species are a common complication of flu, according to the CDC. The appearance of a rash in conjuction with fever strongly suggests system-wide infection with the most dangerous, toxin-producing strain of the bacteria. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," both staph and strep are a major cause of severe illness and death, despite the availability of antibiotics.
Dehydration
Dehydration can develop in anyone, but it happens quickly in infants and children. Warning signs include fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom, dark urine, sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes and decreased skin turgor. The CDC recommends that children who refuse to drink and both children and adults who experience persistent vomiting be seen by a doctor.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association;" Influenza-associated hospitalizations in the United States; W.W. Thompson, D.K. Shay, E. Weintraub, L. Brammer, C.B. Bridges, et al.; Sept. 14, 2004
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th edition;" A.S. Fauci, E. Braunwald, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, D.L. Longer, J.L. Jameson and J. Loscalzo (Eds.); 2008
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Emergency Medicine, 6th edition;" C. Keith Stone and Roger L. Humphries (Eds.); 2008
- CDC: What To Do If You Get Sick: 2009H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
- CDC: Info for Health Professionals: Seasonal Flu and Staph Infections
