7 Cold and Flu Symptoms That Warrant a Doctor’s Visit

Flu season is in full swing, and many people are feeling the effects of the virus—which is hitting the US harder than usual. This season, influenza has caused more than 13 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,300 deaths so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The federal agency hasn’t reported this many people hospitalized with the flu this early in the season in more than 10 years.

Even if you take precautions—like getting vaccinated, wearing a face mask, washing your hands frequently, and doing your best to avoid sick people—you may get the flu (or a flu-like illness). If you do get sick, it’s important to take action quickly, Thomas Russo, MD, an infectious disease professor at the University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, tells SELF. “Even if you have relatively trivial cold-like symptoms—like a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or low-grade fever—getting tested as soon as possible, even at that stage, is “critically important” in order to receive proper treatment for whatever’s ailing you, he says.

While the flu can be riskier for young children and the elderly, otherwise healthy adults are not immune from a serious flu illness, Dr. Russo warns. “Every year, there are younger, healthy people who will have a bad outcome,” he says. Influenza can cause moderate complications like a sinus or ear infection (though these are often painful); on the more concerning end, it can lead to severe dehydration, bronchitis, or pneumonia.

Antiviral flu treatment can help reduce the virus’s most significant effects, particularly if you already face a higher risk for severe flu illness, Dr. Russo says. If you receive an antiviral early enough, it can shorten the length of time that you experience symptoms, he adds. “The longer you wait to present to your physician, the more difficult it will be for them to help you,” Dr. Russo says.

If you put off seeing a doctor when your symptoms feel “mild,” there are potentially concerning symptoms that should signal to you that it’s time to make the trip, Dr. Russo says. If you start experiencing any of the symptoms below, you should seek medical care as soon as you can to hopefully prevent your illness from getting worse, per the CDC:

Fever and/or cough that improve and then return: One of the most serious flu complications is pneumonia, Dr. Russo says. It’s especially dangerous because, oftentimes, people start to feel better and think they’re on the mend, then get hit with a nasty cough and fever again. This could mean you developed a secondary infection of bacterial pneumonia, so the return of any flu-like symptoms—especially cough and/or fever—should send you to the doctor right away.
Shortness of breath: This could be a sign that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, the CDC notes. Shortness of breath can also be a sign of bronchitis or pneumonia. People who have shortness of breath aren’t able to breathe normally; they may experience wheezing, “air hunger” (the feeling of breathlessness or not getting enough air), or tightness in the chest, or feel as if they’re suffocating, per the American Lung Association.
Chest pain: This, too, can be caused by a lack of oxygen; it can feel like anything from a dull ache to a sharp stab, per the Mayo Clinic.
Confusion, dizziness, weakness, or lightheadedness: Not being able to think clearly, nor being able to stand or sit upright without becoming lightheaded, are also signs your oxygen could be too low.
Not urinating: If you’re unable to pee (or peeing very infrequently), this could be a sign that you’re very dehydrated—which can be a symptom of influenza, as high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can affect your ability to retain fluid in the body. As SELF previously reported, dehydration may be an emergency if you feel weak, dizzy, or confused, or if you’re seeing blood in vomit or mucus you’re coughing up. If you notice any of these signs, you need to get help quickly, because you may not be able to rehydrate yourself by simply drinking water. In severe cases, you’ll need to receive IV fluids at a medical facility.
Severe muscle pain: Feeling achy can be a sign that your body is fighting off illness, according to experts at UCLA Health. This is because body aches can be triggered when the immune system reacts to the infection, causing inflammation (and, thus, pain). See a doctor if you experience severe, can’t-get-out-of-bed pain, or pain that lasts longer than five days.
Worsening of chronic medical conditions: The flu can be more dangerous for people who have certain underlying medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. If your illness is causing common symptoms or side effects of your condition to get worse, reach out to your health care provider for guidance.