Discovery Health :: Colds & Flu :: When to Call the Doctor

When to Call the Doctor

Find out more!

The ABC's of the Flu Virus

Symptom Checker

Fighting Back Against the Flu

See What's Going on Inside

When to Call the Doctor

Should I Get a Flu Shot?

Ten Ways to Avoid the Flu

*Back to Ultimate Guide: The Flu main page

Symptoms of Potentially Dangerous Complications

While the flu is usually uncomplicated and ends within a week, it can be associated with serious-and sometimes fatal complications.

Call your healthcare provider at the first sign of flu if…

you have chronic heart or lung disease
your immune system is suppressed
you have a chronic metabolic disease such as diabetes
your child is receiving long-term aspirin therapy
you are pregnant
you have renal dysfunction

Call your healthcare provider if you develop any of the following symptoms while you have the flu:

severe confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
bleeding
ear pain
prolonged headache
irregular heartbeat
a wheezy cough
a cough that brings up thick, green or rust-colored mucus
a cough that brings up blood
difficulty breathing
a high fever that extends beyond 4 or 5 days, or that returns after abating

Picture(s): PhotoDisc/Getty Images

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