Danger Signs of the Flu

Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Each year, a number of specific viruses cause seasonal flu. In 2009, a virus known as novel H1N1 was also identified.

Types

• Flu signs can be divided into two categories: typical and emergency warning signs. Warning signs are associated with respiratory, neurological or body-wide complications of the flu.

Features

• Typical flu symptoms include cough, fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, sore throat, diarrhea and vomiting. Emergency respiratory warning signs include fast breathing, shortness of breath and bluish skin color. Neurological warning signs are dizziness, confusion, inability to wake up and seizures. Body-wide issues include persistent vomiting, fever with a rash and inability to drink enough fluid.

Significance

• Breathing difficulties or a worsening of cough and fever may indicate a secondary infection, such as bacterial pneumonia. Seizures, dizziness and confusion may signal life-threatening dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Effects

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 Americans require hospital care each year for flu-related complications and 36,000 die from the infection.

Considerations

• It's especially important to watch for danger signs in pregnant women, children younger than 2 and adults older than 65. People with chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes, also have a higher risk of dying from the flu.