24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
Most flu cases do not need the ER. But if flu symptoms come with trouble breathing, chest pain, dehydration, confusion, inability to stay awake, or rapid worsening, do not wait it out. Influenza can become serious, and complications like pneumonia can be dangerous.
Go to the ER right away if flu symptoms include:
These are among CDC’s emergency warning signs for flu complications in adults.
Children and higher-risk patients: get checked sooner
Bring a child in urgently for flu symptoms with:
Flu also deserves earlier attention in children under 5, especially under 2, adults 65 and older, pregnant patients, and people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease.
What influenza is
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Flu symptoms usually start suddenly, not gradually. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea can happen too, and they are more common in children than adults.
When home care is usually enough
If flu symptoms are mild, you are breathing comfortably, you can drink fluids, and you are not getting worse, home care is often reasonable. CDC says most people with flu recover at home with rest, fluids, and symptom care, and many do not need medical treatment or antiviral medication.
Stay home and avoid exposing others while you are sick. CDC says you can return to normal activities after your symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
When flu becomes more than “just the flu”
Flu can cause complications such as pneumonia, worsening of asthma or heart disease, sepsis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or multi-organ problems. This is why a patient with flu plus breathing trouble, chest pain, severe weakness, or confusion should not treat it like a routine viral illness.
When antiviral treatment may help
Antiviral medication can make flu illness milder and can shorten how long you are sick. It works best when started within 2 days after symptoms begin, though it can still help later in patients who are very sick or at higher risk of complications. Antibiotics do not treat influenza because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.
ER or urgent care?
Choose the ER when flu symptoms come with trouble breathing, chest pain, dehydration, confusion, severe weakness, seizures, very young infant fever, or clear worsening after initial improvement. For milder flu symptoms without red flags, urgent care or home care may be more appropriate. That distinction matters, and it should be stated plainly.
What Post Oak ER can do for severe flu symptoms
At Post Oak ER, patients with severe flu symptoms can receive:
That is the accurate way to position this page: not as “the ER for every flu case,” but as the place to go when flu symptoms are severe, complicated, or unsafe to manage at home.
Prevention still matters
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, especially people at higher risk of severe flu complications. Flu spreads mainly through respiratory droplets, and vaccination helps reduce illness, hospitalization, and death.
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.