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Swine Flu (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

People with fever and mild respiratory symptoms should call their physician for guidance. If you live in an area that is not currently reporting any cases of swine influenza, your physician may direct you to come into the clinic to be evaluated. If you live in an area where swine influenza is circulating already, your physician may decide to treat you over the phone. The CDC recommends this approach to minimize the number of sick people who go out into the community or into a clinic once cases have been confirmed.

People who are seriously ill should seek medical attention immediately through an emergency room or other setting. This includes people with shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness, or alterations in consciousness. Small children may not be able to describe their symptoms, and parents should look for signs of rapid breathing, bluish skin, or reduced level of responsiveness, which should prompt immediate medical attention.