The H1N1 virus and its potential to kill has scared people, driving up emergency room visits.

Given the publicity surrounding the virus, which health experts believe is causing most U.S. flu cases, precaution and fear are understandable. But it’s important for people to know that H1N1, while a new and aggressive flu strain, is not any more dangerous than the seasonal flu, which can also kill. It’s important to be rational if you get sick.

People should stay out of the hospital if they just have basic flu symptoms, which include a fever of 100-plus degrees, cough, sore throat, aches, chills, runny nose and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Going to the hospital without needing to risks spreading the virus unnecessarily. It can also delay treatment to those whose health is truly at risk.

“This is miserable, so they think they have to come to the hospital,” Dr. Linda Nordeman, medical director for emergency services for St. John’s hospital in Springfield. “People are stunned and saying, ‘There must be something really wrong with me. My body hurts. I have a fever.’”

Those who should take precaution and seek emergency care if they develop flu symptoms include those with:

* Inability to keep fluids down.

* Shortness of breath.

* Sudden confusion, even if mild.

* Blue-tinged lips or fingers.

* Chronic or serious underlying medical conditions, including pregnancy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.

In most cases, doctors are simply going to tell flu patients to go home, drink plenty of fluids and take pain medication. Unnecessary and expensive emergency room visits for the flu can end up being a waste of both time and money.

Springfield (Ill.) State Journal-Register