Quick answer: Go to the ER or call 911 if flu causes trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, seizures, bluish lips, signs of severe dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then return worse. For typical flu symptoms like fever, body aches, cough and sore throat, urgent care is faster and less expensive, and can test, prescribe antivirals and give fluids or breathing treatments.
Most people with the flu can recover at home or with a quick urgent care visit. But flu can turn serious, especially for young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Use this guide to decide where to go.
Call 911 or go to the ER for these warning signs
In adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or belly
- Persistent dizziness, confusion or trouble waking up
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain or severe weakness
- Fever or cough that improves, then comes back or gets worse
- Chronic conditions like heart failure, asthma or diabetes getting much worse
In children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing, or ribs pulling in with each breath
- Bluish lips or face
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain (refuses to walk)
- Dehydration: no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying
- Not alert or not interacting when awake
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F, or any fever in a baby under 12 weeks
- Fever or cough that improves, then returns or gets worse
Chest pain should always be taken seriously. Read chest pain: urgent care or ER?
When urgent care is the right choice
| Symptom or need | Urgent care | ER |
|---|---|---|
| Fever, chills, body aches | ✔ | |
| Cough, sore throat, congestion | ✔ | |
| Rapid flu and COVID testing | ✔ | ✔ |
| Antiviral prescription (Tamiflu) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mild wheezing needing a breathing treatment | ✔ | |
| Mild to moderate dehydration needing IV fluids | ✔ | |
| Possible pneumonia needing an X-ray | ✔ | ✔ |
| Severe trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion | ✔ |
At PACS Urgent Care, we offer on-site rapid flu testing, nebulizer treatments, IV fluids and X-rays. For a general guide, read urgent care vs. emergency room.
Cost and wait time
An ER visit for flu often means a long wait and a much larger bill. At PACS, a self-pay routine visit is $139 and each rapid test is $45, with visit plus add-ons capped at $399 (see self-pay pricing). Never skip the ER because of cost if you have emergency warning signs.
Who should be extra careful
Babies, adults 65 and older, pregnant people and anyone with lung, heart or immune conditions can get sicker faster. See flu risks for high-risk groups and flu in kids.
Frequently asked questions
Should I go to the ER for a high fever with the flu?
For adults, a high fever alone can usually be treated at urgent care. Go to the ER if fever comes with trouble breathing, chest pain or confusion. For children, go to the ER for fever above 104°F or any fever in a baby under 12 weeks.
Can urgent care treat flu with shortness of breath?
Mild wheezing can often be treated with a breathing treatment at urgent care. Severe or worsening shortness of breath needs the ER.
What does it mean if I get better and then worse?
It can be a sign of a secondary infection such as pneumonia. Get seen right away. See flu complications.
Where can I learn more?
See the CDC’s flu emergency warning signs at cdc.gov/flu. Track normal recovery with flu symptoms day by day.
Get care today at PACS Urgent Care
Walk in or book online at our Alexandria flu clinic (3481 N Beauregard St, open 7 days, 8 AM to 8 PM) or book at our Ruther Glen flu clinic (17067 Merchants Dr, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM). Prefer to stay home? Start with a telemedicine visit.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician.
