Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Influenza (Flu)

Audience: adult

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It often causes symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Most people recover within a week or two without needing to see a doctor in person. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, get advice on managing mild flu, and decide if you need further care. However, some signs mean you should seek in-person medical attention promptly. These include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or worsening symptoms after initial improvement. Knowing when to get in-person care helps prevent complications and ensures you get the right treatment. This guide explains flu symptoms, red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a tele-visit. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Chest pain or pressure — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Sudden confusion, dizziness, or inability to stay awake — go to emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Evaluating mild flu symptoms and providing self-care advice.
• Determining if symptoms require in-person evaluation.
• Providing information on flu prevention and vaccination.
• Answering questions about symptom duration and management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests like chest X-rays.
• Treating severe symptoms or complications such as pneumonia.
• Administering emergency care for life-threatening symptoms.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person assessment.

What Is Influenza (Flu)?

Influenza is a viral infection that affects your nose, throat, and sometimes your lungs. It spreads easily from person to person, especially during flu season. Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Most people recover without special treatment, but the flu can sometimes cause serious problems, especially in older adults, young children, or people with certain health conditions.

Common Symptoms and When They Usually Improve

Flu symptoms often start suddenly and can be severe. You may experience:

Symptoms usually improve within 3 to 7 days, but tiredness can last longer. Mild cases can often be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

Certain signs mean you should get medical care in person right away:

If you experience any of these, it is important to seek emergency or urgent care immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Flu Symptoms

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely using video or phone. It can help by:

Telemedicine is convenient and can reduce exposure to others when you are sick.

Limitations: When Telemedicine Is Not Enough

Telemedicine cannot replace in-person care when you have serious symptoms or complications. It cannot perform physical exams, chest X-rays, or lab tests needed to diagnose complications like pneumonia. If your symptoms worsen or you have red flags, you should go to a clinic or hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• List any current medications and health conditions.
• Have a thermometer ready to check your temperature.
• Find a quiet, private space with good internet or phone signal.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's advice on medications and self-care.
• Rest and stay hydrated to support recovery.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening signs.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or severe symptoms develop.
• Consider flu vaccination to reduce future risk.

FAQs

Can I treat the flu at home without seeing a doctor?

Yes, many people with mild flu symptoms can manage at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines. However, if you have severe symptoms or risk factors, you should seek medical advice.

When should I go to the hospital for the flu?

Go to the hospital if you experience trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting, or if your symptoms suddenly worsen after initial improvement.

Can telemedicine diagnose the flu?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and advise you, but they cannot perform lab tests remotely. Diagnosis is often clinical but may require in-person testing in some cases.

Is the flu vaccine effective?

The flu vaccine helps protect against common strains of the virus each season. While it may not prevent all cases, it often reduces the severity and complications of the flu.

How long am I contagious with the flu?

People with the flu are usually contagious from about one day before symptoms start to about five to seven days after becoming sick. It's important to practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the virus.

Sources

1. Influenza (Flu) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Influenza — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Influenza (Flu) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Influenza (Seasonal) — World Health Organization (WHO).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms, please seek care from a qualified healthcare provider in person.