How do you know if it’s a swine-flu emergency?

May 2, 2009 7:00 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that emergency room visits are up since the swine-flu (H1N1) outbreak started, but doesn’t know if that’s because more people are sick, or just worried. Getting to the ER promptly can be life saving. But it can also be time wasting.

“If you have symptoms that would not ordinarily take you to the emergency department, but you are considering going because you think you might have swine flu, you probably don’t need to go,” said Bill Briggs, president of the Emergency Nurses Association, in a statement. Indeed, if you don’t have severe or emergency symptoms, the best way to avoid the spread of disease is to stay home.

Here are the flu symptoms, for adults and children, that the CDC says warrants a trip to the emergency room:

ADULTS

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

CHILDREN

Rapid breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color, a sign that they’re not getting enough oxygen
Dehydration or refusal to drink
Inability to wake up or interact with you
Fever with a rash
Extreme irritability or not wanting to be held
Symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and a worsened cough

Emergency rooms are required to care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. But if you’re going to the ER only because you don’t have health insurance, there may be some other sources for financial help. Contact your state or local health department to see what services are available. You may also be able to take advantage of clinics that charge based on your ability to pay. Or contact the CDC hotline at 800-CDC-INFO.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

Keep up to date with our Swine (H1N1) flu coverage and recommendations.