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Emergency Doctor Guidelines for H1N1 Symptoms

The swine flu has spread throughout most of the country and is now widespread in 48 states. With more people at risk, new guidelines have been enacted on when to go to the emergency room for treatment. The guidelines that have been are released are more of a checklist when deciding whether or not you should visit the emergency room.

"What we are tying to do is prevent what we call the worried well," said Dr. Dale Carrison with UMC.

While the number of H1N1 cases continues to increase, health experts are advising people there's no need for panic. "We have no problem with people coming to the ER when they are sick. If you're not sure they look good and have a runny nose, they probably don't need to be there," said Dr. Carrison.

H1N1 Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to the ER

According to a public guideline by the American College of Emergency Physicians, people with just a fever and a cough or sore throat should stay at home unless you are in the high-risk category. Those categories include anyone that is 65 years or older, has diabetes, is pregnant or has major illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or other diseases.

But if your signs of fever are accompanied by a series of other issues, like difficulty breathing, vomiting & signs of dehydration, purple or blue lips, confusion or change in behavior you should go to the hospital.

"Clearly, if they get worse instead of getting better, then bring them in to be seen by a physician," said Dr. Carrison.

According to health experts, the number of deaths related to H1N1 is far less than the seasonal flu death toll, which stands at nearly 36,000 each year. "If you look that we went from April to October -- from six months, we've had 1,000 deaths. That is far fewer that we have with the seasonal flu," said Dr. Carrison. "There are some seriously ill people, some people have died, but not as much as with seasonal flu and people need to remember that."

Health experts say if you are generally a healthy person, then you should treat your illness as you would have before H1N1 came to light. Your best bet is to stay at home and get some rest before jumping the gun.