High fever, severe body aches, chills, and persistent coughing can make the flu difficult to manage. When symptoms become severe or complications are suspected,
ER of Fort Worth provides 24/7 emergency evaluation and treatment to assess your condition and determine the appropriate care.
Don’t ignore worsening flu symptoms. Our emergency team is available day and night when you need prompt medical attention.
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, coughing, and sore throat. While many people recover at home, severe symptoms can indicate dehydration or complications that need prompt medical assessment.
Seek emergency evaluation if you experience:

Recognizing changes in your condition can help you determine when an emergency evaluation is appropriate.
The flu can cause fever, chills, headaches, and muscle pain. A persistent fever accompanied by worsening weakness, confusion, or other concerning symptoms should be medically assessed.
Influenza can cause a dry or persistent cough. Shortness of breath, worsening chest discomfort, or difficulty breathing may indicate a complication, including pneumonia.
Some patients experience vomiting, reduced appetite, or difficulty drinking enough fluids. Persistent vomiting, dizziness, or markedly reduced urination may indicate dehydration requiring medical evaluation.
If fever or coughing begins to improve but then returns or becomes significantly worse, a secondary infection or another complication may be developing.
Our medical team evaluates the severity of your symptoms and checks for complications to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Our board-certified emergency physicians review when your symptoms began, how they have changed, and whether you have conditions that increase your risk of complications.
The team checks your vital signs, hydration status, breathing, and other clinical findings to assess the severity of your illness.
A flu test may be recommended when the result could affect treatment decisions. Depending on your symptoms, blood tests, oxygen level assessment, or imaging such as a chest X-ray may be considered to evaluate dehydration or possible complications. Not every patient requires every test.
Your provider explains the findings and recommends care based on your condition, symptom severity, and risk factors. If additional treatment or a higher level of care is needed, the team will discuss the appropriate next steps.

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are, how long you have been ill, and whether complications are present.
Antibiotics do not treat influenza itself because it is caused by a virus. They may be prescribed if a bacterial complication is diagnosed or suspected.
Our emergency team reviews your symptoms, medical history, vital signs, breathing, and hydration to assess the severity of your illness.
When appropriate, flu testing and laboratory work may help identify the infection and evaluate your condition.
If your symptoms suggest a more serious illness, blood tests or chest X-rays may be recommended to investigate potential complications, such as pneumonia.
After reviewing your results, our board-certified emergency physicians recommend treatment based on your symptoms and clinical findings and explain any necessary follow-up care.

Severe flu symptoms can develop into complications that require prompt medical care. If you are experiencing breathing problems, persistent vomiting, significant dehydration, or worsening symptoms, visit ER of Fort Worth for an emergency evaluation.
ER of Fort Worth4561 Heritage Trace Parkway, Suite 117Fort Worth, TX 76244
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
ER of Fort Worth provides 24/7 emergency evaluation for severe flu symptoms, including persistent fever, dehydration, breathing difficulties, and possible complications. Our medical team assesses your condition and recommends appropriate care.
Seek emergency evaluation for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, or signs of significant dehydration.
A provider may prescribe antiviral medication when clinically appropriate. These medications are particularly important for people with severe or progressive illness and those at higher risk of complications. Early treatment is generally most effective.
Yes. The flu can lead to dehydration, especially when fever, vomiting, or poor fluid intake is present. It can also cause pneumonia or contribute to secondary infections. Worsening breathing symptoms or significant weakness should be assessed promptly.
Yes. The ER of Fort Worth is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can walk in for emergency evaluation if flu symptoms become severe or concerning.
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