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    • Flu & Cold Resources
      • Flu Clinic Schedule
      • FAQs About the Flu
      • High Risk Patients
      • Children & the Flu Shot
      • Pregnancy & the Flu Shot
      • When should I call my health care provider?
      • How is Flu Spread?
      • Good Habits to Keep You Healthy
      • Bird (Avian Flu)
      • Noroviruses (Stomach Flu)
      • Pandemic Flu
      • The Common Cold

When should I call my health care provider?

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Since treatment for most colds, bronchitis and flu is largely self-care at home, you may not need to call your health care provider.

Do call us if you have:

  • Fever over 102°F if you are under 65 years old.

  • Fever over 100°F if you are 65 years or older or if you have chronic heart or lung disease or diabetes.

  • Difficulty breathing, uncontrollable cough or chest pain.

  • Very red sore throat with white patches. This may be a sign of "strep" infection, which is caused by bacteria and is treated with antibiotics.

  • Severe headache or pain in the sinuses.

  • Symptoms that worsen after five days or are present more than 10 to 14 days.
These are general guidelines, if you have any questions or concerns, please consult your personal physician.


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pregnant mom and child
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has useful resources about flu shots and updates about the flu season (accessed December 2007).

  • Q & A: Flu Vaccine
  • Q & A: Flu Shot
  • Vaccination Information (.pdf) | Additional languages
  • Thimerosal and the Flu Shot
  • Key Facts About the Flu: Overview
  • CDC Flu Web Site
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