Content on this page was developed during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and has not been updated.
- The H1N1 virus that caused that pandemic is now a regular human flu virus and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide.
- The English language content on this website is being archived for historic and reference purposes only.
- For current, updated information on seasonal flu, including information about H1N1, see the CDC Seasonal Flu website.
Know The Emergency Warning Signs
January 12, 2010, 5:00 PM ET
There are "emergency warning signs" that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently.
Seek Care If The Sick Person Has ANY Of The Signs Below.![man holding chest](homecare/images/homecare_manholdingchest.jpg)
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting (vomiting that goes on)
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or working hard to breathe
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
- Being unable to eat
- Having no tears when crying
In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:
- Being unable to eat
- Has trouble breathing
- Having no tears when crying
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