Have the Flu? Signs You Need Care Now
By Genevieve Cunningham
You tried your best. You washed your hands and covered your face when you sneezed. You stayed away from obviously sick people, and maybe you even got the flu shot! But despite your best efforts, you somehow still came down with the flu. We're in the thick of flu season, which means this scenario happens more often than we'd like. For the most part, the flu is miserable but passes without major incident. But as you've probably heard, there are times when the flu becomes downright dangerous. So how do you know when it's time to see a doctor? If you're feeling under the weather, take a look at these signs that you should see a doctor right now.
Improvement Followed by Decline
Most of the time an improvement means we're getting better. But if your improvement is quickly followed by another decline, you need to see a doctor. If your fever breaks and you start to feel better, and the next day your fever climbs back up and your aches return, it might signal a reinfection or a secondary infection. These infections can come back with a vengeance and almost always need a doctor's care. So don't wait it out; see a doctor for proper care.
Lethargy
It's normal to feel tired while you're sick. You'll probably feel like lying around and taking naps. You may or may not feel like getting dressed. All of that is OK. But if your exhaustion crosses over into lethargy, there might be a problem. Lethargy happens when you can barely get out of bed or move at all. When you stare at the blank TV screen because you don't even care to reach for the remote. An extreme amount of lethargy should warrant an immediate trip to the doctor to make sure the problem isn't much worse than you originally thought.
Trouble Breathing
The flu is an upper respiratory virus, so it's normal for breathing to be disturbed. But if you seem to be having trouble getting a breath, your flu may be turning into pneumonia. Fast breathing, shallow breathing, chest pain, or a hacking cough should be checked out by a doctor to prevent or treat any serious issues.
If you've come down with the flu, it doesn't hurt to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. You don't have to wait for these symptoms. If you feel the need, go to the doctor! Your health is important, so stay proactive and get the care you need when you need it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in North Charleston, S.C.