ER for Flu in Lake Jackson
The flu can escalate into a serious health emergency. At Altus Emergency Centers, our flu emergency room in Lake Jackson provides 24/7 rapid testing, advanced care, and life-saving treatment. Whether mild or severe, timely care at our flu emergency room can prevent complications and speed up recovery.
- Upfront Pricing
- Insurance Accepted
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Find the Fastest Route to Emergency Care
Clear directions to help you reach us without delay when every minute matters.
What is Flu
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Unlike the common cold, the flu can cause sudden and severe symptoms, and in some cases, lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, or worsening of chronic medical conditions. Because flu spreads quickly, seeking prompt care at our flu emergency room in Lake Jackson ensures accurate testing, effective treatment, and reduced risks.
Types of Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and may affect people differently. Some individuals recover quickly, while others—especially young children, older adults, or those with chronic health conditions—may develop complications requiring urgent treatment. Below are the most common types of flu symptoms our doctors evaluate:
Respiratory Symptoms
Persistent cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, or shortness of breath.
Systemic Symptoms
High fever, chills, fatigue, or body aches affecting daily activities.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea (more common in children).
Complications
Symptoms that worsen into pneumonia, dehydration, or difficulty breathing.
Altus Emergency Center - Lake Jackson
Flu? Skip Urgent Care — Go to the ER
While urgent care may help with mild colds, flu symptoms can quickly worsen and require advanced resources. Urgent care centers lack the rapid testing, imaging, and immediate treatments available at our Flu ER in Lake Jackson. When minutes matter, heading directly to an ER visit for the flu ensures faster diagnosis, antiviral medications, IV hydration, and even oxygen support when needed.
When to Seek Emergency Care for the Flu
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- High fever above 103°F that doesn’t improve with medication.
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing.
- Severe dehydration due to persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Confusion, dizziness, or fainting spells.
- Flu symptoms worsening after initial improvement.
- For children: bluish skin color, refusal to drink fluids, or difficulty waking up.
Risks of Delaying Treatment
Delaying treatment for the flu can result in dangerous complications. Untreated flu may progress to pneumonia, bronchitis, or severe dehydration. Patients with underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are at higher risk of hospitalization. In extreme cases, flu complications may become life-threatening. Immediate care at our flu emergency room in Lake Jackson ensures you receive antiviral medications, supportive treatments, and close monitoring to prevent these risks.
Common Flu Complications We Treat
At our flu emergency center in Lake Jackson, we treat a variety of flu-related complications, including:
- Pneumonia
A serious infection of the lungs requires urgent antibiotics and breathing support.
- Severe Dehydration
Often caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever.
- Asthma or COPD Flare-Ups
Flu can trigger respiratory emergencies in patients with lung conditions.
- Cardiac Complications
Flu may worsen heart disease or cause inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Secondary Infections
Such as sinusitis, ear infections, or bacterial bronchitis.
How We Diagnose the Flu
When you arrive at our flu ER, Lake Jackson emergency center, we use:
Rapid Flu Tests
Quick nasal or throat swabs to confirm influenza strains.
Blood Tests
To check for infection, dehydration, or complications.
Chest X-rays
To detect pneumonia or other lung issues linked to the flu.
Physical Exam
To evaluate severity, breathing, hydration status, and overall health.
Visit us at Altus Emergency Center in Lake Jackson or call 979-529-2000 — our medical team is available 24/7 to provide expert care.
We accept all private insurance plans.
Treatment Options for Flu
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and complications:
Antiviral Medication
Such as Tamiflu to shorten the duration and severity of flu.
IV Fluids
To treat dehydration and restore electrolyte balance.
Fever & Pain Control
Medications to manage fever, headaches, and body aches.
Oxygen Support
Short-term observation to monitor symptoms and treatment response before discharge or further intervention.
Supportive Care
Short-term observation to monitor symptoms and treatment response before discharge or further intervention.
What to Expect When You Arrive at Altus Emergency Center
Upon arrival at our flu emergency room in Lake Jackson, our team will quickly assess your symptoms and provide immediate testing. Our physicians will explain your diagnosis, begin treatment without delay, and closely monitor your condition. We ensure a compassionate, patient-centered experience in a safe and supportive environment while delivering advanced emergency care for the flu.
Altus Emergency Center - Lake Jackson