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.
Download & print this entire guideCaring for Someone Sick at Home
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.
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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