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Flu: when to go to the ER

Most people with flu have a mild illness and don’t need medical care 1, and most recover in a few days to under two weeks 2. But flu can become serious. CDC says people with any of the warning signs below should get medical care right away 2.

Find urgent care near you Or find the nearest ER. Updated November 15, 2026; every fact links to its source below.
Photo of a person in bed with the flu as someone brings tea

Go to the ER or call 911 if

  • Adults: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 2
  • Adults: persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen 2
  • Adults: persistent dizziness, confusion, or can’t be woken 2
  • Adults: seizures, not urinating, severe muscle pain, or severe weakness or unsteadiness 2
  • Children: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, or ribs pulling in with each breath 2
  • Children: chest pain, or muscle pain so severe they refuse to walk 2
  • Children: dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying) 2
  • Children: not alert or interacting when awake, or seizures 2
  • Children: fever above 104°F that fever medicine doesn’t control, or any fever in a baby younger than 12 weeks 2
  • Anyone: fever or cough that gets better, then comes back or gets worse, or a chronic condition getting worse 2

CDC notes these lists aren’t complete 2. If you’re worried, get care.

If you’re not sure, go to the ER. Find the nearest ER.

When urgent care can help

Urgent care clinics treat common mild illnesses, including flu 3. Flu can often be treated at home 4, but contact a provider right away if you’re very sick, worried, or at higher risk 1.

Find urgent care near you, with hours and phone numbers. Not sure what it costs? See ER vs urgent care cost.

Who is at higher risk

CDC lists groups more likely to have serious flu complications 5, including:

  • Adults 65 and older, and children younger than 2 (all children under 5 are at higher risk)
  • People who are pregnant or gave birth in the last 2 weeks
  • People living in nursing homes or long-term care
  • People with asthma, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or a weakened immune system

Antiviral medicine

Flu antivirals work best when started early, ideally within two days of your first symptoms 1. CDC recommends them for people at higher risk; most people not at higher risk don’t need them 1. A provider can decide whether they fit you.

Mild flu? See a provider online

Without any of the warning signs above, an online visit is one way to talk through symptoms and ask whether treatment like an antiviral fits you; they work best within two days of symptoms 1. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue. More on Cold & flu online.

See a provider online

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Common questions

Flu: when to go to the ER, answered.

General information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.

When should you go to the ER for the flu?
Go for trouble breathing, chest or belly pain or pressure that won’t stop, confusion, seizures, not urinating, or a fever or cough that improves then returns or worsens 2.
When should I take my child to the ER for the flu?
Go for fast or labored breathing, bluish lips, ribs pulling in, dehydration, not being alert, seizures, a fever over 104°F that medicine doesn’t control, or any fever under 12 weeks old 2.
Do I need to see a doctor for the flu?
Most people with mild flu don’t 1. Contact a provider if you’re at higher risk, very sick or worried; antivirals work best within two days of symptoms 1.
See a provider online now Only if it’s not an emergency. ER.com may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you.

Related conditions

Cold & flu · COVID-19 · Cough · Bronchitis · Upper respiratory infection · Fever

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Sources

  1. CDC: Treatment of flu (Sept. 2, 2025)
  2. CDC: Signs and symptoms of flu (Aug. 26, 2024)
  3. MedlinePlus: Choosing the right place to get health care (reviewed July 15, 2026)
  4. American College of Emergency Physicians: Flu, know when to go to the ER
  5. CDC: People at increased risk for flu complications (Sept. 11, 2024)

Last updated November 15, 2026. General information from the sources above, not medical advice or a diagnosis, and not a substitute for being seen. If you’re not sure whether something is an emergency, go to the ER or call 911.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.