Generally, when you get the flu, you can fight it off without going to the doctor. Most of the time, staying home and resting is what you need to do to fight back against the flu. However, sometimes the flu can hit you really hard and require more than just resting. It is important to realize the signs in both children and adults that the flu has progressed to the point where medical intervention is necessary.

Signs Your Baby Needs Medical Help

There are different signs that you need to pay attention to when your child has the flu. If your child is an infant, you need to pay special attention to your baby to figure out if your baby needs medical intervention.

If your baby is not able to eat, and is having significantly fewer wet diapers than normal are signs that your baby is becoming dehydrated. Another sign of dehydrated and further flu complications are no tears when your baby is crying. Finally, trouble breathing as well as a high fever are all serious signs that you need to get your baby to the urgent care.

Signs Your Child Needs Medical Help

The signs are a little different if your child is a little older. If your child is a toddler to about age ten, there are specific signs you need to watch out for.

For young children, they may be really irritable and may not even want to be comforted by being held when the flu is serious. Your child may continually sleep and when they wake up, they have no energy or desire to interact with others. Your child may not want to drink fluids and may not be going to the restroom as regularly.

In young children, often their flu symptoms will look like they are going away. Then, the flu symptoms will come back stronger and return with both a fever as well as a cough.

If your child is not responsive, extremely tired and lethargic, has trouble breathing and has an extended fever, they need medical intervention

Signs Your Need Medical Help

Finally, you need to be aware of the signs that you or another adult needs medical help. When the flu gets serious in adults, it often presents as respiratory issues, such as pain and pressure in the chest and abdomen as well as trouble breathing that can be accompanied by dizziness and confusion. Anytime the flu seems to get better, then comes back stronger with a more persistent breathing issues and a fever, medical intervention is necessary.

If your baby, child or you exhibit any of the signs above, get to your doctor or urgent care clinic. A doctor can prescribe you antivirals that will help your body fight back against the flu. If you are dehydrated, they can provide you with IV fluids to get you hydrated again. If you are experiencing other complications, the medical team can assist you or your family members further. If something doesn't seem right, it is always a good idea to get checked up by a medical professional when you have flu. 

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