Health Promotions

Flu and Pneumonia Shots

Contact Person for Referral:
Debbie Spice, Flu Program Manager

Tel:
Flu Shot Help Line: (541) 265-0416

Emergency Warning Signs

There are some "emergency warning signs" that require urgent medical attention.

In children, some emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

	High or prolonged fever
	Fast breathing or trouble breathing
	Bluish skin color
	Not drinking enough fluids
	Changes in mental status, such as not waking up or not interacting; being so irritable that the child does not want to be held; or seizures
	Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
	Worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions (for example, heart or lung disease, diabetes)

In adults, some emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

	High or prolonged fever
	Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
	Pain or pressure in the chest
	Near-fainting or fainting
	Confusion
	Severe or persistent vomiting

Seek medical care immediately, either by calling your doctor or going to an emergency room, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs described above or other unusually severe symptoms. When you arrive, tell the receptionist or nurse about your symptoms. You may be asked to wear a mask and/or sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.

Special Concerns for People at High Risk for Complications from the Flu

Some people are at increased risk to develop complications of flu. This group includes:

	People 65 years of age and older
	Children 6-23 months of age*
	People of any age with chronic medical conditions (for example, heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, or HIV infection)
	Pregnant women

If you are in a group that is considered to be at high risk for complications from the flu and you get flu-like symptoms, you should consult your health-care provider when your symptoms begin.

Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children also may get sinus and ear infections.

*Children 6-23 months of age are at increased risk for influenza-related hospitalization.

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