Flu Emergency Warning Signs
If a child or adult is experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek medical care and request a flu diagnostic test.
These lists are not all-inclusive. Please consult your healthcare provider for any symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Emergency Warning Signs for Children
Flu can present differently in children, so it’s important to know when to seek medical attention for a child who is suffering from flu. If a child has any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
- Fast Breathing or Trouble Breathing
- Bluish Lips or Face
- Ribs Pulling in with Each Breath
- Chest Pain
- Severe Muscle Pain (Child Refuses to Walk)
- Dehydration (No Urine for 8 Hours, Dry Mouth, No Tears When Crying)
- Not Alert or Interacting When Awake
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F
- In Children less than 12 Weeks Old, any Fever
- Fever or Cough that Improves but then Returns or Worsens
- Worsening of Chronic Medical Conditions (Asthma, Diabetes)
Emergency Warning Signs for Adults
Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and pregnant people.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
Warning signs listed are from CDC.
