Going to the hospital for the flu makes sense if you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration, especially if you are pregnant, elderly, very young, immunocompromised, or have chronic health conditions. For most healthy people with mild to moderate flu, rest, fluids, and over-the-counter fever reducers at home—or a visit to primary care, urgent care, or telehealth—are usually the better options. When in doubt, contact a qualified health professional or call emergency services for life-threatening symptoms.