Doctor's advice

BENTONVILLE — According to Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas, any of the following symptoms of the flu would warrant a trip to the emergency room:

◊Fast breathing or trouble breathing;

◊Bluish or gray skin color;

◊Not drinking enough fluids;

◊Severe or persistent vomiting;

◊Lack of interaction or difficulty waking up;

◊Irritability (in the case of a child not wanting to be held);

◊Flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and a worse cough.

Otherwise, if you feel the needto see a doctor, Mercy suggests setting up an appointment with your primary-care physician - and staying away from the ER.

It's good advice. Mercy wants to reserve ER space for true emergencies, not people with just a cough or a case of the sniffles. Besides, going to the ER might expose you - along with any friends or family members who accompany you - to people with more serious flu symptoms.

Our local emergency rooms are crowded enough as it is. If you're thinking of going to the ER, ask yourself first whether it's really necessary.