How long does the flu typically last. What are the common symptoms and their progression. When should you seek medical attention for flu symptoms. What are effective treatment options for influenza. How can you speed up recovery from the flu.

The Typical Duration of Influenza: What to Expect

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that can leave individuals feeling miserable for several days. Understanding the typical duration of the flu can help manage expectations and plan for recovery. For most people, flu symptoms last between 3 to 7 days, but this can vary depending on several factors.

Factors affecting flu duration include:

• Age
• Overall health
• Immune system strength
• Presence of underlying medical conditions
• Vaccination status

While the acute phase of the flu typically resolves within a week, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms, particularly fatigue, for up to two weeks. A persistent cough can sometimes last for several weeks, even after other symptoms have subsided.

Timeline of Flu Symptoms: From Onset to Recovery

The progression of flu symptoms follows a relatively predictable pattern, although individual experiences may vary. Understanding this timeline can help you gauge your recovery and know when to seek medical attention.

Day 1-2: Sudden Onset

Unlike the common cold, which tends to develop gradually, flu symptoms often appear abruptly. Within hours, an individual can transition from feeling fine to experiencing:

• High fever (often the first sign)
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue

Days 2-4: Peak Symptoms

During this period, symptoms typically reach their peak intensity. Additional symptoms may develop, including:

• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Possible vomiting (more common in children)

Days 5-7: Gradual Improvement

For many, day 5 marks the beginning of symptom improvement. Some individuals may feel well enough to return to work or school, but it’s crucial to remain at home for 24 hours after the fever breaks without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Beyond Day 7: Extended Recovery

While most people feel significantly better by day 7, it’s not unusual for some symptoms, particularly fatigue and cough, to persist. If symptoms worsen after a week or new symptoms appear, consult a healthcare provider.

Recognizing Severe Flu Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of flu resolve on their own, some individuals may develop severe symptoms or complications that require immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these warning signs to prevent potentially life-threatening situations.

Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to arouse
• Seizures
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

For children, additional emergency signs include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain
• Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• Not alert or interacting when awake
• Seizures
• Fever above 104°F
• Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

Effective Treatment Options for Influenza

While there’s no cure for the flu, several treatment options can help alleviate symptoms and potentially shorten the duration of the illness. The most effective treatments include:

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), can be highly effective in treating influenza. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. They can help:

• Reduce the severity of symptoms
• Shorten the duration of illness by 1-2 days
• Prevent serious flu complications

Antiviral medications are particularly important for people at high risk of flu complications, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with certain chronic health conditions.

Over-the-Counter Medications

While they don’t treat the virus itself, over-the-counter medications can help manage flu symptoms:

• Pain relievers and fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Decongestants
• Cough suppressants
• Expectorants

Always follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about medication interactions.

Strategies to Speed Up Flu Recovery

In addition to medical treatments, several self-care strategies can help accelerate recovery from the flu:

1. Rest: Allow your body to focus its energy on fighting the virus by getting plenty of sleep and avoiding strenuous activities.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, including water, herbal tea, and clear broths, to prevent dehydration and help loosen mucus.
3. Humidify the air: Use a humidifier or take steamy showers to add moisture to the air, which can help relieve congestion and coughing.
4. Eat nutrient-rich foods: While you may not feel like eating, try to consume foods high in vitamins and minerals to support your immune system.
5. Gargle with salt water: This can help relieve a sore throat and may remove virus particles from the throat.
6. Use saline nasal drops: These can help relieve nasal congestion and keep nasal passages moist.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza: Best Practices

Influenza is highly contagious, and taking steps to prevent its spread is crucial, both for personal health and public safety. Here are some effective strategies to minimize the transmission of the flu virus:

Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. While it doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it significantly reduces the risk of infection and can make symptoms less severe if you do contract the virus.

Personal Hygiene

• Hand washing: Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the virus from entering your body.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Social Distancing

During flu season, and especially if you’re experiencing symptoms:

• Stay home when you’re sick
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others in public spaces

Environmental Hygiene

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and phones. The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

High-Risk Groups: Special Considerations for Flu Management

Certain populations are at higher risk for developing severe flu complications. These groups require special attention and may need more aggressive treatment approaches:

Who is at High Risk?

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5, especially those under 2 years
• Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as:
  • Asthma and other lung diseases
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney or liver disorders
  • Weakened immune systems
• People with extreme obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)

Special Considerations

For individuals in high-risk groups:

• Early antiviral treatment: Seek medical attention at the first sign of flu symptoms. Early treatment with antiviral medications can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
• Vaccination priority: Annual flu vaccination is particularly important for these groups.
• Close monitoring: Be vigilant for signs of worsening symptoms or the development of secondary infections.
• Preventive measures: Take extra precautions to avoid exposure to the flu virus, such as limiting contact with potentially infected individuals.

Healthcare providers may recommend additional preventive measures or tailored treatment plans for individuals in these high-risk categories.

Long-Term Effects of Influenza: What You Need to Know

While most people recover fully from the flu within a few weeks, some individuals may experience longer-lasting effects or complications. Understanding these potential long-term impacts is crucial for comprehensive flu management.

Potential Long-Term Effects

• Post-viral fatigue syndrome: Some individuals may experience prolonged fatigue, weakness, and reduced stamina for weeks or even months after the acute phase of the flu.
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke: Research has shown that the risk of heart attack and stroke can be elevated for several months following a flu infection, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
• Exacerbation of chronic conditions: The flu can worsen existing health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, potentially leading to long-term complications.
• Neurological complications: In rare cases, influenza can lead to neurological issues, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or Guillain-Barré syndrome, which may have lasting effects.

Monitoring and Management

To address potential long-term effects of the flu:

• Follow up with your healthcare provider after recovery, especially if you experience lingering symptoms or new health concerns.
• Be aware of any changes in your overall health or exacerbation of chronic conditions in the months following a flu infection.
• Engage in gradual, supervised physical activity to rebuild strength and stamina if you experience post-viral fatigue.
• Consider regular health check-ups and preventive care to monitor for any long-term impacts on your cardiovascular or respiratory health.

By understanding the potential long-term effects of influenza and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can better manage their overall health and recovery process following a flu infection.

How long does the flu last? Timeline and recovery

Symptoms of the flu generally appear within a few days of infection. They usually peak between days 2 and 4, and most people feel better after 5–7 days. However, symptoms can last longer in some cases, and a cough may persist for several weeks.

The flu can leave a person unable to work, perform household duties, or tend to children for several days. Some people develop severe symptoms and may need hospital care.

In this article, we discuss how long the flu usually lasts, a timeline of the common symptoms, and when to see a doctor for treatment.

For people who do not develop serious flu complications, symptoms usually last 3–7 days. Some people find that their symptoms get better and then worse again or that they are worse at certain times of the day, such as in the morning.

Although fever and the most severe symptoms typically resolve within a week, some people have low energy for up to 2 weeks, and it is possible to experience a cough for up to 8 weeks.

The flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu but does not eliminate it. However, people who still get the flu after receiving a shot tend to have less severe symptoms that last for a shorter period.

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can also shorten the length of the flu and lower the risk of serious complications.

Infants and very young children, older adults, and people with respiratory diseases may have symptoms that last longer. These individuals are also more vulnerable to serious flu complications, such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 200,000 people in the United States need to go to the hospital each year as a result of the flu.

Flu complications are unlikely to resolve on their own, and they can be a medical emergency. They may require a person to stay in the hospital. It can be weeks or even months before a person recovers from serious flu complications.

For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful?

Unlike the cold and other viruses, which present gradually, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Within a few hours, a person may transition from feeling fine to having a fever and other symptoms.

A high fever occurs more commonly with the flu than with a cold, and it often appears before other symptoms.

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• high fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• a headache
• weakness and extreme exhaustion
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• vomiting
• congestion

The symptoms tend to peak between days 2 and 4. By day 5, some people begin to feel better. A few feel well enough to return to work or school.

However, it is important to stay at home for 24 hours after a fever breaks. If the fever only goes away with anti-fever medication, remain at home.

By day 7, most people feel significantly better, although some are still sick. It is not unusual for the flu to last longer than a week, so slow healing is not necessarily a bad sign. However, if the symptoms continue to get worse after a week, it may be best to see a doctor.

The best and most effective treatment for the flu is an antiviral flu drug. Taking this drug within 2 days of getting sick may shorten the duration of the flu and help a person avoid complications.

Before taking any anti-flu medication, a person can weigh up the risks and benefits with a doctor. It is important to tell the doctor about any previous health problems or drug reactions because some people experience side effects when they take anti-flu drugs.

Antibiotics cannot treat the flu. The flu is a virus, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

However, some people develop secondary infections because of the flu. Children are especially vulnerable to ear infections, but adults can get them too. If symptoms suddenly change or get worse, this could mean that there is a new infection, which could be viral or bacterial.

The following strategies can help speed up the healing process:

• Resting and staying in bed.
• Avoiding going to work, school, or anywhere else, as this can spread the flu.
• Drinking plenty of fluids. If fever or vomiting occurs, try drinking an electrolyte drink to prevent dehydration.
• Using over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Washing the hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection to other members of the household.

People should try to see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms appear, as this is when antiviral treatments are most effective.

It is also important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days or new symptoms, such as ear pain, appear.

People should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• breathing becomes difficult or labored
• muscle pain is unbearable or severe enough to prevent walking
• a child develops a fever above 104°F
• when breathing, a child or infant makes loud sounds or pulls in the muscles around their ribs
• a person has seizures, loses consciousness, seems confused, or is unable to communicate effectively
• a baby under the age of 12 weeks develops a fever
• symptoms of chronic medical conditions get worse
• there is intense dizziness that does not go away after a few hours
• a person stops urinating or urinates very rarely
• symptoms get better but then return later and are worse

Most people who get the flu will have symptoms that last between 3 and 7 days. If they develop complications, they may be ill for longer.

Thousands of people die from the flu every year. Children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems are much more vulnerable to flu complications. People should take the flu seriously by resting and avoiding public places until their symptoms disappear.

With rest and medical care, it is possible to recover even from serious complications. Anyone with severe flu symptoms should see a doctor. To reduce the risk of getting the flu again, a person can get the flu shot every year.

How long does the flu last? Timeline and recovery

Symptoms of the flu generally appear within a few days of infection. They usually peak between days 2 and 4, and most people feel better after 5–7 days. However, symptoms can last longer in some cases, and a cough may persist for several weeks.

The flu can leave a person unable to work, perform household duties, or tend to children for several days. Some people develop severe symptoms and may need hospital care.

In this article, we discuss how long the flu usually lasts, a timeline of the common symptoms, and when to see a doctor for treatment.

For people who do not develop serious flu complications, symptoms usually last 3–7 days. Some people find that their symptoms get better and then worse again or that they are worse at certain times of the day, such as in the morning.

Although fever and the most severe symptoms typically resolve within a week, some people have low energy for up to 2 weeks, and it is possible to experience a cough for up to 8 weeks.

The flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu but does not eliminate it. However, people who still get the flu after receiving a shot tend to have less severe symptoms that last for a shorter period.

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can also shorten the length of the flu and lower the risk of serious complications.

Infants and very young children, older adults, and people with respiratory diseases may have symptoms that last longer. These individuals are also more vulnerable to serious flu complications, such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 200,000 people in the United States need to go to the hospital each year as a result of the flu.

Flu complications are unlikely to resolve on their own, and they can be a medical emergency. They may require a person to stay in the hospital. It can be weeks or even months before a person recovers from serious flu complications.

For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful?

Unlike the cold and other viruses, which present gradually, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Within a few hours, a person may transition from feeling fine to having a fever and other symptoms.

A high fever occurs more commonly with the flu than with a cold, and it often appears before other symptoms.

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• high fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• a headache
• weakness and extreme exhaustion
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• vomiting
• congestion

The symptoms tend to peak between days 2 and 4. By day 5, some people begin to feel better. A few feel well enough to return to work or school.

However, it is important to stay at home for 24 hours after a fever breaks. If the fever only goes away with anti-fever medication, remain at home.

By day 7, most people feel significantly better, although some are still sick. It is not unusual for the flu to last longer than a week, so slow healing is not necessarily a bad sign. However, if the symptoms continue to get worse after a week, it may be best to see a doctor.

The best and most effective treatment for the flu is an antiviral flu drug. Taking this drug within 2 days of getting sick may shorten the duration of the flu and help a person avoid complications.

Before taking any anti-flu medication, a person can weigh up the risks and benefits with a doctor. It is important to tell the doctor about any previous health problems or drug reactions because some people experience side effects when they take anti-flu drugs.

Antibiotics cannot treat the flu. The flu is a virus, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

However, some people develop secondary infections because of the flu. Children are especially vulnerable to ear infections, but adults can get them too. If symptoms suddenly change or get worse, this could mean that there is a new infection, which could be viral or bacterial.

The following strategies can help speed up the healing process:

• Resting and staying in bed.
• Avoiding going to work, school, or anywhere else, as this can spread the flu.
• Drinking plenty of fluids. If fever or vomiting occurs, try drinking an electrolyte drink to prevent dehydration.
• Using over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Washing the hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection to other members of the household.

People should try to see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms appear, as this is when antiviral treatments are most effective.

It is also important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days or new symptoms, such as ear pain, appear.

People should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• breathing becomes difficult or labored
• muscle pain is unbearable or severe enough to prevent walking
• a child develops a fever above 104°F
• when breathing, a child or infant makes loud sounds or pulls in the muscles around their ribs
• a person has seizures, loses consciousness, seems confused, or is unable to communicate effectively
• a baby under the age of 12 weeks develops a fever
• symptoms of chronic medical conditions get worse
• there is intense dizziness that does not go away after a few hours
• a person stops urinating or urinates very rarely
• symptoms get better but then return later and are worse

Most people who get the flu will have symptoms that last between 3 and 7 days. If they develop complications, they may be ill for longer.

Thousands of people die from the flu every year. Children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems are much more vulnerable to flu complications. People should take the flu seriously by resting and avoiding public places until their symptoms disappear.

With rest and medical care, it is possible to recover even from serious complications. Anyone with severe flu symptoms should see a doctor. To reduce the risk of getting the flu again, a person can get the flu shot every year.

Acute respiratory viral infections and influenza – GBUZ “DLRC Krasnodar” Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Acute respiratory viral infections and influenza

Acute respiratory (respiratory) viral infections (ARVI) – a group of diseases caused by viruses with similar transmission routes (mainly airborne, that is, through the air with particles of saliva) and clinical manifestations (cough, fever, sore throat, etc. .).

Influenza belongs to the ARBI group, but it is especially distinguished due to the pronounced tendency of this infection to spread with the development of epidemics. In addition, influenza is accompanied by more pronounced clinical
manifestations and with it a higher risk of complications. There is a subspecies of the H5N1 influenza virus that is transmitted from sick birds (ducks, chickens) to humans.

This type of flu is called “avian flu”.

SARS are the most common diseases, they account for 90% of all infections. In Russia, from 27 to 40 million people fall ill with ARVI every year.

ARVI viruses are excreted from the patient’s body with drops of saliva and sputum when breathing, talking, crying, coughing, sneezing. Viruses enter the body of a healthy person by inhaling infected particles or by sharing household items (dishes, towels). The highest probability of infection is in close contact and high crowding: in transport, in barracks, hospitals, educational institutions, nursing homes, etc. Susceptibility to respiratory infections is very high, but can be reduced with preventive measures (see below).

SARS are dangerous with complications, which, however, do not occur often. A typical complication of any SARS is pneumonia. Influenza, in addition, can be complicated by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, middle ear (especially in children), respiratory distress syndrome (pulmonary edema), meningitis. Influenza is most dangerous for young children, the elderly, as well as for patients with HIV infection, diabetes mellitus and people with weakened immunity due to radiation or chemotherapy.

The disease begins with an increase in body temperature up to 38-40 ° C, which persists for 2-7 days. It should be remembered that a repeated increase in body temperature (that is, after its initial decrease) is not typical for 0PBI and may indicate either the development of complications or the presence of another disease. Another common symptom is a cough, usually dry. It is important to remember that a dry cough can persist after SARS for 1-2 weeks, which should not cause concern, provided that all other symptoms have disappeared and the patient’s health has returned to normal. Dry cough is gradually replaced by a cough with sputum. If the sputum becomes green, this does not necessarily indicate the development of complications: this color of sputum can be given by an admixture of discharge from the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nose or bronchi. Among other symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and flu, the most common are headache, muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, and poor appetite. A runny nose for influenza is not typical, but it is possible with other SARS.

Particular attention should be paid to symptoms that may indicate either the development of complications, or the presence of not SARS, but another disease that manifests similar symptoms.

Preservation of elevated body temperature (more than 37.5 ° C) for more than 7 days, as well as its repeated increase.

• Increased headache.

• Vomiting.

• Drowsiness or confusion.

• Stiff neck (inability to bend the head so that the chin touches the chest).

• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing).

• Chest pain.

• Bloody sputum.

• Any rash.

• Intolerance to bright light.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your
doctor immediately!

Most often, the diagnosis is based on the identification of the symptoms discussed above. To identify complications of acute respiratory viral infections, a general blood and urine test, an x-ray of the chest or paranasal sinuses, and sometimes a bacteriological analysis of sputum may be required.

It is necessary to observe the home regimen (should not go to work, this is fraught with complications). Drinking should be plentiful to prevent dehydration in conditions of high body temperature.

Antipyretic drugs should be taken if body temperature is above 38. 5 °C or is not well tolerated. In other cases, there is no need for them, since a moderately elevated body temperature contributes to the formation of a good immune response. Of the antipyretic drugs, paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid is most justified (the latter – only if the patient is over 16 years old, in no case should it be prescribed for young children with influenza!).

To relieve the symptoms of SARS, there are many medicines containing several components. As a rule, these are combinations of antipyretics, relieving nasal congestion, antitussives, antiallergics, and vitamins. Always read the instructions carefully: the composition of the drug may contain a component that is either intolerable to you or already taken in a sufficient dose (for example, paracetamol).

Many patients take all sorts of herbal infusions or other herbal remedies to relieve coughs. These agents may contribute to subjective improvement, but they do not reduce the duration of the disease. Let’s take multivitamins, but the consumption of ascorbic acid should not be excessive (no more than 50-100 mg 2-3 times a day for children and 50-100 mg 3-5 times a day for adults).

The following medicines are used to influence ARVI pathogens:

– Antiviral drugs that stop viruses from multiplying, such as rimantadine (it is only effective for influenza).

– Interferons (the main factor of antiviral protection in the body) and stimulators of the formation of interferons.

– Anti-influenza immunoglobulin (the drug is obtained from the blood of healthy people who have had the flu; thus, it contains ready-made antibodies). Immunoglobulin is administered to weakened people, as well as to patients with severe forms of influenza.

– Antibiotics are not used for the treatment of uncomplicated forms of SARS and influenza, since they do not affect viruses. The most important influenza prevention measure is vaccination, which is carried out much earlier than the expected epidemic, usually in October-November. The duration of the protective effect of the vaccine is one year, so it must be repeated annually. Vaccination is most indicated for the following population groups (however, in any case, you should consult with your doctor before conducting it).

– Elderly people (over 65).

– Patients with chronic bronchopulmonary diseases (especially with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

– Children of preschool and school age.

– Patients with a weakened immune system (with diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, removed spleen or receiving glucocorticoids and cytostatics).

– Patients with chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease.

– Patients with frequent acute respiratory viral infections.

– Persons with a high probability of infection (military contingents, medical personnel, workers in the field of consumer services, transport, educational institutions).

There are practically no contraindications to modern generation vaccines obtained by genetic engineering.

During an influenza epidemic, it is too late to administer the vaccine. In this case, it is possible to use rimantadine, as well as oxolinic ointment in the nose. It is important to frequently ventilate the room where the patient is located, if possible, isolate him from other family members, and provide him with separate dishes. Caregivers should be in gauze 3-4-layer masks, and also use the above methods of prevention. Tempering procedures (rinsing the mouth and nose with cold water, walking barefoot on a cold floor, cold wiping, dousing, etc.) are important if they are carried out for a long time and systematically. You should not start hardening if a person is sick or in the process of recovery.

GBUZ “Center for Medical Prevention” of the Ministry of Health of the Krasnodar Territory

Influenza – Articles for the population – Khislavichskaya district hospital

May 11

Influenza is an acute highly contagious disease that is characterized by severe toxicosis, moderate catarrhal phenomena with the most intense damage to the trachea and large bronchi. The clinical symptoms of influenza can vary significantly depending on the state of the body’s defenses and the age of the patient, the contagiousness of the virus and its type. Influenza can be uncomplicated and complicated.
According to the severity of the course, influenza is divided into:
• mild form
• medium form
• severe form
• hypertoxic form
• fulminant form of the course.
Influenza incubation period usually lasts from a few hours to 1-2 days, but can last up to 5 days.
Then the period of acute clinical manifestations of influenza begins. The severity of uncomplicated influenza is determined by the severity and duration of intoxication.
The syndrome of intoxication is the leading one in influenza and is expressed from the very first hours of the disease. The first sign of the flu is a fever. Influenza always begins acutely with an increase in body temperature – from subfebrile figures to hyperthermia (from 37.2 to 40 ° Celsius). Usually within a few hours the temperature reaches high numbers and is accompanied by chills. With a mild course of the disease, the body temperature does not exceed subfebrile numbers. The level of fever reflects the severity of intoxication, but these concepts cannot be completely identified. Sometimes at a very high body temperature, the signs of intoxication are not pronounced, which is often observed in young people with influenza caused by type A (h2N1) virus! Their temperature rise is short-term, and then the disease has a moderate course.
The temperature reaction in influenza is acute and relatively short-lived. The feverish period lasts 2-6 days, rarely longer, and then the temperature drops rapidly. The presence of prolonged fever may indicate the occurrence of any complication.
The leading sign of intoxication and one of the first symptoms of influenza is a headache. Pain is noted in the frontal region, especially in the region of the superciliary arches, in the supraorbital region, sometimes behind the orbits of the eyes and increases with the movement of the eyeball. Headaches are common in older people. The severity of the headache can vary, but in most cases it is mild. Severe headache in combination with sleep disturbance, repeated vomiting, hallucinations is observed in patients with a severe course of the disease and is often accompanied by a syndrome of damage to the central nervous system. In adults, unlike children, a convulsive syndrome occurs abruptly.
General weakness, feeling unwell, weakness, increased sweating are common symptoms of influenza. There is an increased sensitivity to bright light, sharp sounds, to cold. Consciousness is often preserved, but delusional states are possible. A frequent symptom of the flu is muscle and joint pain, aches throughout the body, mainly in the lumbosacral region.
The appearance of the patient is characteristic: the face is reddened, puffy. Conjunctivitis is noted, which is accompanied by photophobia and lacrimation. Due to impaired capillary circulation and hypoxia, the patient’s face has a bluish tint.
Catarrhal syndrome is also one of the leading in influenza infection, but it recedes into the background and in some cases is weakly expressed or absent. The duration of the catarrhal syndrome is 7-10 days. The cough lasts the longest.
In the first days there are changes in the oropharynx: pronounced reddening of the soft palate with a clear distinction from the hard palate. By 3-4 days from the onset of the disease, redness is replaced by an injection of vessels that form a plexus – a “mesh”. In addition, with a severe course of the disease, small hemorrhages appear in the soft palate. Against the background of vascular disorders, there is granularity, represented by enlarged lymphatic follicles. In severe influenza, in addition to swelling of the soft palate, cyanosis is noted. The back wall of the pharynx in patients with influenza is dryish, shiny, reddened, often grainy. Patients note perspiration and dryness in the throat. By 7-8 days from the onset of the disease, the mucous membrane of the soft palate in most patients acquires a normal appearance.
There are changes in the nasopharynx: the nasal mucosa is reddened, swollen, dry. Swelling of the turbinates makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. These changes on the 2-3 day from the onset of the disease are replaced by discharge from the nose. Rhinitis is observed in approximately 80% of patients, its duration is 4-7 days. Due to toxic damage to the walls of blood vessels and intense sneezing, influenza often causes nosebleeds.
The most typical syndrome is tracheobronchitis, which is manifested by soreness or pain in the chest, behind the sternum, as well as a painful dry cough.
Cough occurs in approximately 90% of patients. Duration of cough with uncomplicated influenza is 5-6 days. Increased breathing is possible, but the nature of breathing does not change.
Laryngitis (sore throat, hoarseness) with influenza is combined with tracheitis, and tracheitis prevails in the clinical picture. In children, influenzal laryngotracheitis can lead to croup.
Changes in the lungs correlate with the age of the patient, as well as with the presence of concomitant cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. When listening to the lungs, hard breathing and short-term dry wheezing can be determined.
Changes in the cardiovascular system in influenza are due to toxic damage to the heart muscle. When listening to the heart, muffled tones are determined, sometimes a systolic murmur at the apex of the heart and a rhythm disturbance like extrasystole. At the onset of the disease, with an increase in body temperature, there is an increase in the pulse, which is accompanied by blanching of the skin. On the 2-3rd day, along with lethargy and weakness in the body, there is a decrease in the pulse, which is accompanied by reddening of the skin.
Changes in the digestive organs are not expressed. Often there is a decrease in appetite, intestinal motility worsens and constipation joins. The tongue is densely coated with white, not thickened. The abdomen is painless. What is known as “stomach flu” is not caused by the influenza virus at all. Short-term intestinal upset is associated with exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Changes in the urinary system. Viruses excreted through the kidneys cause damage to the kidney tissue. These disorders may be accompanied by the appearance of protein and blood elements in urine tests. In the uncomplicated course of influenza, there are no violations of the kidneys and bladder.
Changes in the central nervous system. Toxic reactions from the nervous system can manifest as a sharp headache, aggravated by other external irritating factors. Excitation or, conversely, drowsiness may be observed. Vomiting, delirium, convulsions, loss of consciousness, fainting are possible. Meningeal symptoms are observed in 3% of patients.
Changes in peripheral blood – hemoglobin and red blood cell count do not change. The number of leukocytes increases and the ESR increases.
Clinical picture of influenza, taking into account the severity of the disease
In the case of mild (including erased and subclinical) forms of influenza, body temperature may remain normal or rise no more than 38 ° Celsius, symptoms of toxicosis are mild or absent.
In the moderate (manifest) form of influenza, body temperature rises to 38.5-39.5° and classical symptoms of the disease are noted.
Intoxication: profuse sweating, general weakness, photophobia, headache, joint and muscle pain.
Catarrhal flu symptoms: redness of the soft palate and posterior pharyngeal wall, respiratory symptoms, reddening of the conjunctiva, damage to the larynx and trachea, dry cough, voice disturbance, rhinitis, chest pain, redness or cyanosis and dryness of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and oropharynx.
In severe and extremely severe forms of influenza, a large number of painful symptoms are noted – from the usual severe course with severe symptoms of intoxication and catarrhal phenomena to the predominance of the highest degree of intoxication in the clinical picture, leading to the development of the syndrome of toxicosis of the central nervous system and cerebral edema, damage to the heart vascular system and the development of infectious-toxic shock of varying severity.
With the development of a severe form of influenza, body temperature rises to 40-40.5 °. There are signs of encephalopathy (convulsions, hallucinations), vascular disorders (nosebleeds) and vomiting.
Respiratory failure leading to pulmonary edema and other complications may develop.
In the fulminant form of influenza, there is a serious risk of death, especially for debilitated patients and patients with various concomitant diseases. This form includes swelling of the lungs and brain, bleeding, the development of varying degrees of respiratory failure, and other serious complications.
If the flu proceeds without complications, the febrile period lasts 2-4 days and the disease ends within 5-10 days. Repeated rises in body temperature are possible, but they are usually due to the layering of some bacterial flora or other viral respiratory infection. Post-infectious asthenia may persist for 2-3 weeks after the flu: fatigue, general weakness, headache, irritability, sleep disturbance, etc.