What are the main symptoms of influenza. How long does the flu typically last. Who is at higher risk for flu complications. How can you protect yourself from getting the flu. When should you see a doctor for flu-like symptoms. What is the difference between flu and COVID-19 symptoms.

Understanding Influenza: A Highly Contagious Respiratory Infection

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. This seasonal illness can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, even prove life-threatening. The flu virus typically spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it easy for the virus to transmit from person to person.

In Australia, the flu season usually occurs between April and September, with varying severity and duration each year. During peak flu seasons, it’s estimated that influenza can contribute to over 3,300 deaths in the country. It’s crucial to understand that even healthy individuals can succumb to severe flu complications, highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms: From Onset to Recovery

Identifying flu symptoms early can help in managing the illness effectively. The most common symptoms of influenza include:

• Sudden onset of high fever (38°C or higher)
• Dry cough
• Body aches, especially in the head, lower back, and legs
• Extreme weakness and fatigue
• Chills
• Aching behind the eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

The flu typically follows a pattern of progression over several days:

1. Days 1-3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, dry cough, and sometimes a stuffy nose.
2. Day 4: Fever and muscle aches begin to decrease. Sore throat, cough, and mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. Fatigue may persist.
3. Day 8: Symptoms start to subside, though cough and tiredness may linger for one to two weeks or more.

Flu vs. COVID-19: Navigating Similar Symptoms

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to distinguish between flu and COVID-19 symptoms, as they can be similar. While both illnesses share common symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, there are some key differences:

COVID-19 Specific Symptoms:

• Loss or change in sense of smell or taste
• Shortness of breath (more common in severe cases)

If you experience flu-like symptoms, it’s advisable to contact the COVID-19 hotline or your healthcare provider to determine if COVID-19 testing is necessary. This precaution helps in proper diagnosis and prevents the spread of either virus.

High-Risk Groups: Who’s More Vulnerable to Flu Complications?

While the flu can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk of developing severe complications. These include:

• Young children under 5 years old
• Elderly individuals (65 years and older)
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes)

For these high-risk groups, flu vaccination is particularly important and is often provided free of charge under national immunization programs.

Preventing Influenza: Vaccination and Hygiene Practices

Prevention is key when it comes to influenza. The most effective way to protect yourself and others is through annual flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with free vaccines available for high-risk groups under the National Immunisation Program in Australia.

While the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it significantly reduces the risk of infection and can minimize symptom severity if you do contract the virus. In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures include:

• Practicing good hand hygiene (frequent handwashing)
• Wearing face masks in crowded or high-risk areas
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support your immune system

When to Seek Medical Attention for Flu Symptoms

For most healthy individuals, the flu can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. However, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

• If you belong to a high-risk group and experience flu-like symptoms
• If symptoms persist or worsen after a week
• If you develop signs of complications (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever)

Early medical intervention can prevent serious complications and reduce the risk of hospitalization.

Flu Complications: Understanding the Risks

While many people recover from the flu without complications, in some cases, it can lead to severe illness and potentially life-threatening conditions. Common flu complications include:

• Pneumonia (bacterial or viral)
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Exacerbation of existing chronic medical conditions

These complications can result in hospitalization and, in severe cases, even death. The risk of complications is particularly high for certain groups, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.

How do flu complications develop?

Flu complications often arise when the virus weakens the body’s immune defenses, allowing secondary infections to take hold. In some cases, the flu virus itself can cause severe inflammation in the respiratory tract, leading to conditions like viral pneumonia. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of preventive measures and prompt medical attention when necessary.

Flu Vaccines: Types, Effectiveness, and Misconceptions

Flu vaccines are a crucial tool in preventing influenza and reducing its severity. There are several types of flu vaccines available, including:

• Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV)
• Recombinant influenza vaccines (RIV)
• Live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV)

The effectiveness of flu vaccines can vary from year to year, as the virus strains included in the vaccine are based on predictions of which strains will be most prevalent in the upcoming flu season. While not 100% effective, flu vaccines significantly reduce the risk of infection and can lessen symptom severity if you do contract the virus.

Are there any side effects of flu vaccines?

Most people experience minimal side effects from flu vaccines, which may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild body aches. Serious side effects are rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the potential risks for the vast majority of people.

Managing Flu Symptoms: Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Treatments

While there’s no cure for the flu, several home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

• Rest: Adequate sleep and rest are crucial for your body to fight the virus.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and thin mucus secretions.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate body aches.
• Decongestants: These can help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
• Cough suppressants: Useful for managing persistent, dry coughs.
• Throat lozenges: Can provide temporary relief for sore throats.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any medications, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Can natural remedies help with flu symptoms?

Some people find relief from natural remedies such as honey for sore throats, ginger tea for nausea, or steam inhalation for congestion. While these remedies may provide symptomatic relief, they are not a substitute for medical treatment when necessary.

The Impact of Influenza on Public Health and Healthcare Systems

Influenza poses a significant burden on public health and healthcare systems worldwide. During severe flu seasons, hospitals and healthcare facilities can become overwhelmed with patients seeking treatment for flu-related complications. This surge in demand can strain resources and impact the delivery of care for other medical conditions.

The economic impact of influenza is also substantial, encompassing direct medical costs, lost productivity due to illness, and absenteeism from work or school. In Australia alone, it’s estimated that flu-related absenteeism costs the economy billions of dollars annually.

How does influenza surveillance work?

Public health agencies conduct ongoing influenza surveillance to monitor flu activity, identify emerging strains, and guide vaccination strategies. This surveillance involves collecting data from various sources, including:

• Laboratory reports of confirmed flu cases
• Sentinel surveillance systems in primary care settings
• Hospital admission data for flu-related complications
• Mortality data related to influenza and pneumonia

This comprehensive approach helps health authorities respond effectively to flu outbreaks and plan for future seasons.

Flu and Special Populations: Considerations for Vulnerable Groups

Certain populations require special consideration when it comes to influenza prevention and treatment:

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe flu complications due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy. Flu vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, as it can provide protection for both the mother and the baby after birth.

Young Children

Children under 5 years old, especially those younger than 2, are at high risk of flu-related complications. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for children 6 months and older. For children younger than 6 months, the best protection is to ensure that family members and caregivers are vaccinated.

Older Adults

People aged 65 and older are more susceptible to severe flu complications due to age-related changes in the immune system. High-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are available for this age group, providing enhanced protection against influenza.

Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions

People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are at increased risk of flu complications. Annual vaccination and early medical intervention when symptoms arise are crucial for these individuals.

The Future of Influenza Prevention and Treatment

Research into influenza prevention and treatment is ongoing, with several promising developments on the horizon:

Universal Flu Vaccines

Scientists are working on developing universal flu vaccines that could provide broad protection against multiple strains of influenza, potentially eliminating the need for annual vaccinations.

Improved Antiviral Medications

New antiviral drugs are being developed to more effectively combat influenza viruses, including those resistant to current treatments.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Rapid, accurate diagnostic tests are being refined to quickly distinguish between influenza and other respiratory infections, enabling more targeted treatment approaches.

What role will AI play in flu prevention and treatment?

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being utilized in flu surveillance and prediction models. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to forecast flu outbreaks, helping public health officials prepare and allocate resources more effectively. In the future, AI may also play a role in personalizing flu prevention strategies and treatment plans based on individual risk factors and genetic profiles.

As our understanding of influenza continues to evolve, so too will our strategies for prevention and treatment. By staying informed about the latest developments and adhering to recommended preventive measures, we can collectively work towards reducing the impact of influenza on individuals and communities.

Influenza (flu) – Better Health Channel

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). It affects people of all ages. The flu is usually spread by breathing in droplets from coughs and sneezes that contain the virus.

The flu is a seasonal infection that usually occurs from April to September. Flu seasons vary in severity and duration from year to year. In a year of high influenza activity, it is estimated that the flu can contribute to more than 3,300 deaths in Australia.

Even healthy people can sometimes die from the flu. Some Victorians are at increased risk of serious disease and complications of flu, like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition.

During 2023, amidst the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, continued seasonal flu activity is anticipated as borders remain open and interstate and international travel increases.

Vaccination is key to protecting yourself and those around you from the flu.

Symptoms of the flu

The most common symptoms of the flu are:

• sudden appearance of a high fever (38°C or more)
• a dry cough
• body aches (especially in the head, lower back and legs)
• feeling extremely weak and tired (and not wanting to get out of bed).

Other symptoms can be:

• chills
• aching behind the eyes
• loss of appetite
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose.

Having the flu is even more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it.

Diagnosing the flu

Flu and other kinds of viruses can only be confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results.

Difference between the flu and COVID-19

The symptoms of COVID-19External Link and the flu can be similar.

If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, contact the COVID-19External Link hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or your GP to check if you require COVID-19 testing.

The symptoms of COVID-19 to watch out for are:

• loss or change in sense of smell or taste
• fever
• chills or sweats
• cough
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• runny nose.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

What to expect with the flu

Symptoms of the flu can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. A bout of the flu typically follows this pattern:

• Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose.
• Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat.
• Day 8: Symptoms decrease. Cough and tiredness may last one to two weeks or more.

What about flu complications?

In some cases of the flu, severe illness and complications (such as pneumonia and bronchitis) can develop. This can result in hospitalisation and even death.

The flu can also make some existing medical conditions worse.

In Victoria, flu vaccination is free for people with a higher risk of severe complications associated with the flu:

• all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months and over
• pregnant women – at any stage of pregnancy
• people 65 years and over
• people aged 6 months and older with medical conditions putting them at higher risk of severe flu and its complications:
  • cardiac disease
  • chronic respiratory conditions
  • chronic neurological conditions
  • immunocompromising conditions
  • diabetes and other metabolic disorders
  • renal disease
  • haematological disorders
  • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.

Speak to your immunisation provider to see if you meet the eligibility for free flu vaccine.

How can I avoid getting the flu?

Getting a flu vaccine every year is recommended for everyone aged 6 months or older. People in the above groups are eligible for free flu vaccination each year under the National Immunisation ProgramExternal Link.

While not 100% effective, the flu vaccine provides a high level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.

COVID-19 vaccinesExternal Link can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day, one after the other) with a flu vaccineExternal Link. Speak to your immunisation provider for advice about COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.

Wearing a face mask and practicing good hand hygiene can help to reduce your chances of catching the flu or passing it on to others.

I think I have the flu – should I see a doctor?

Anyone at a higher risk of serious illness with flu-like symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.

Most people who are generally healthy won’t need to see their doctor for the flu. As symptoms of the flu are similar to COVID-19, talk to your doctor about testing for COVID-19 infection.

If you have the flu, try to rest, maintain a good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. This will help you recover and prevent dehydration. Your immune system will fight the infection and symptoms will usually clear up on their own.

If you do need to see a GP for your symptoms, make sure you call ahead first so they can make sure there’s no one in an at-risk group around when you have your appointment.

When to seek medical attention

See your doctor if you have any concerns or are in a high-risk group for severe infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe vomiting
• fever with a rash.

How can I avoid giving the flu to other people?

It is important we all play our part in helping fight the flu and to protect our health system.

Aside from getting your flu shot, follow these 3 simple steps to stop the spread of the flu:

Step 1 – Cough or sneeze into your elbow

If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow. It’s a part of your body less likely to touch other surfaces and will help stop the spread of nasty germs.

Step 2 – Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly

• Our hands are one of the top spreaders of viruses. The flu virus is carried in almost invisible droplets from saliva, sneezes, coughs, and runny noses.
• Flu viruses can live on surfaces such as lift buttons or handrails for up to 48 hours and are spread when people touch an infected surface.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially if you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.

Step 3 – Rest and recover at home

• If you are sick, rest at home and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid going out, even to the supermarket, where you risk spreading the virus to others. Wear a mask if you need to go out.
• If you start to experience more serious symptoms, seek medical attention.

Looking after yourself when you have the flu

The best things you can do to look after yourself when you have the flu are:

• Rest – you will probably feel very weak and tired until your temperature returns to normal (about 3 days). Rest provides comfort and allows your body to use its energy to fight the infection.
• Stay at home – stay away from work, school and any places where you may have contact with others, especially while you are contagious. The period during which adults are contagious is usually around 3–5 days from when the first symptoms appear, and up to 7 days in younger children.
• Drink plenty of fluids – extra fluids are needed to replace those lost because of the fever (through sweating). If your urine is dark, you need to drink more. Try to drink a glass of fluids, such as water, every hour while you are awake.

What medications should I take for the flu?

The flu is a viral infection so antibiotics won’t help and should not be taken.

Antiviral medications, if started in the first 2 days after symptoms start, can shorten the length of your illness. These need to be prescribed by your doctor.

Decongestants and simple pain relievers can help you feel better while your body’s immune system fights off the infection.

Tips for buying over-the-counter medications

Follow these tips for buying over-the-counter medication for the flu:

• Buy a remedy that treats only one symptom – this way you are not taking any substances you do not need, or that may trigger an adverse reaction.
• Read the medication label and check:
  • whether the active ingredient treats your symptoms
  • possible side effects
  • possible interactions with any medications, (including prescription and over-the-counter, medicines (such as vitamins and mineral supplements and herbal medicines)
  • whether the medication is safe for you to take if you have any health conditions
• If you are unsure if a medication is suitable for you to take, or if you have any other questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest a medication that is appropriate and safe for you to take.

Useful tips to aid recovery from the flu

Other useful flu recovery tips include:

• Take simple pain-relieving medication (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen), as directed on the packet, to ease muscle pain and bring down your fever (unless your doctor says otherwise).
• Never give any medications that contain aspirin to children (under 12 years) unless advised by a doctor. The combination of the flu and aspirin in this age group has been known to cause Reye’s syndromeExternal Link – a very serious condition affecting the nervous system and liver.
• Antibiotics are not effective against the flu because influenza is a virus, and antibiotics fight bacteria. However, your doctor may prescribe them if you develop a bacterial infection on top of the flu.
• Gargle with a glass of warm water to ease a sore throat. Sucking on sugar-free lollies or lozenges also helps.
• A hot water bottle or heating pad may help relieve muscle pain. A warm bath may also be soothing.
• Use saline nose drops or spray to help soothe or clear a stuffy nose. These decongestants help shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which medication will be the best for you.
• Do not smoke – this will irritate your damaged airways.
• Try warm, moist air inhalation. Boil a kettle, wait a minute for the water to slightly cool, and carefully empty the hot water into a bowl. Place the bowl on a steady surface, such as a table. Put a towel over your head and inhale the warm air in the bowl for up to 20 minutes. There is no need to add anything to the water. Be careful not to touch the water and keep it out of reach of children.
• Ask for help if you live alone or care for others. You may need support until you feel better.
• Remember, if you buy medicine at the pharmacy to treat your symptoms (over-the-counter medications), check with the pharmacist to see which one is right for you. Let them know if you have a chronic illness or are taking any other medication.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Your GP (doctor)
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Your pharmacist
• National Immunisation ProgramExternal Link

How Long Does the Flu Last? Duration of Symptoms, Contagion

In most cases, most of your flu symptoms should resolve within about a week. You are most likely to infect others while your major symptoms last. Some people can be contagious for longer.

Influenza, commonly referred to as “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an uncomplicated influenza infection will last from three to seven days in most people, including children. However, a cough and feelings of weakness or fatigue can last for two weeks or longer.

Some people are at an increased risk for developing flu-related complications. These can include:

• pneumonia
• bronchitis
• sinus infections
• ear infections

These complications can be due to influenza virus in itself or because of a secondary bacterial infection. Serious flu-related complications can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Additionally, flu infection may make preexisting conditions worse. For example, if you have asthma, you may experience more severe asthma attacks while you have the flu.

You’re at increased risk for developing flu-related complications if you:

• are 65 years old or older
• are younger than 5 years old and particularly younger than 2 years old
• are of Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native) descent
• are pregnant or two weeks postpartum
• are extremely obese (BMI of 40 or more)
• live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• have a weakened immune system, such as the kind seen in people with cancer or HIV
• have a chronic illness, such as asthma, diabetes, or COPD
• have a liver or kidney disorder

Do some strains of the flu last longer than other strains?

Although different influenza strains don’t generally affect the duration of illness, some strains (and subtypes of influenza A, like h4N2) can cause more severe illness than others.

According to the CDC, influenza A (h4N2) viruses have been associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in children and the elderly than other human influenza subtypes or strains, such as influenza A (h2N1) and influenza B.

Additionally, vaccine effectiveness for influenza A (h4N2) viruses has been generally lower.

Flu vs. cold duration

Despite having some overlapping symptoms, colds and the flu are two separate illnesses. Colds are typically milder than the flu. Cold symptoms will typically resolve in about 7 to 10 days and tend to not come on as fast as the flu. Flu symptoms may last for a couple of weeks.

Learn more about the differences between a cold and the flu.

It may take one to four days after exposure to the influenza virus for symptoms to develop.

If you have the flu, you’ll be contagious one day before developing symptoms and up to five to seven days after becoming ill.

Younger children or people with a weakened immune system may be contagious for longer.

The influenza virus can also survive on surfaces, such as doorknobs and tables, for up to 24 hours. Viruses live longer on materials such as stainless steel, plastic, and other hard surfaces.

To avoid transmitting the virus to others, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face or mouth.

If you’re sick, be sure to drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of rest. You can also take over-the-counter pain and fever relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), to help relieve your symptoms.

Stay at home while you’re sick and for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone down.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. Antiviral medications can reduce the length of your illness and may help prevent complications. They don’t kill the influenza virus, however.

Antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms in order to be effective.

Common antiviral prescriptions include:

• zanamivir (Relenza)
• oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• peramivir (Rapivab)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved a new medication called baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) in October 2018.

Receiving the flu vaccine can help prevent influenza infection from occurring in the first place. The vaccine won’t give you the flu.

There isn’t current scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of natural products or home remedies against the flu.

Most flu symptoms will typically resolve within a week. However, the flu can cause serious complications in groups with known risk factors or people who have preexisting conditions.

If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

Adults

• trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• pressure or pain in chest or abdomen
• dizziness that comes on suddenly
• confusion
• vomiting
• symptoms that seem to improve, but then return or worsen

Infants and children

• trouble breathing, or breathing quickly
• not getting enough fluids
• not being able to eat
• not waking up
• not interacting or not wanting to be held
• skin that’s blue in color
• fever that comes with a rash
• fewer wet diapers than usual
• symptoms that seem to improve, but then return or worsen

If you come down with the flu, your symptoms will typically resolve on their own within a week. Prescribed antiviral medication may reduce this duration.

But if you have a high risk for complications or start to experience the more severe symptoms outlined above, contact your doctor right away.

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Causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, treatment of influenza 006 Diagnosis of influenza

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory organs – nose, throat, lungs. This is a different disease than what is usually called “stomach flu”. The causative agents of the latter are also viruses, however, intestinal flu is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea and is characterized by transmission with water and food. The epidemic of the disease usually begins in January-February.

Influenza transmission routes

Influenza virus is transmitted through the air in tiny droplets of saliva and nasal mucus, which the sick person secretes when sneezing and coughing. The virus is well preserved in warm, poorly ventilated areas and dies under the action of sunlight. Therefore, the risk of infection is high in the cold season when local immune defenses are weakened, as well as when people stay indoors for a long time.

Influenza is especially dangerous in such patients:

• children under 5, and especially under 2 years;
• adults over 65;
• living in nursing homes, boarding schools;
• pregnant women and women in the first 2 weeks after childbirth;
• patients with weakened immunity, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes;
• patients with a high degree of obesity (BMI over 40).

The best prevention of influenza in these categories is an annual vaccination.

Causes of influenza

The cause of influenza is the ingestion of the corresponding virus on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. The incubation period for influenza is 2 to 9days, although it can change in any direction. Patients are contagious for 5 to 10 days after the onset of the first symptoms.

The virus is constantly changing its genetic structure, new varieties of it appear – strains. Antibodies after a flu or vaccination protect the body only from a specific type of disease.

Influenza symptoms

At the beginning of the illness, the symptoms of influenza resemble the common cold – runny nose, sneezing, sore throat. However, the difference between influenza is the speed of development of clinical manifestations.

General flu symptoms:

• fever above 38˚;
• headache;
• pain in the muscles of the back, arms and legs;
• chills and sweats;
• dry persistent cough;
• severe weakness;
• nasal congestion;
• sore throat.

Influenza medicines must be taken within the first 48 hours of illness to be effective.

Influenza symptoms in children are associated with severe intoxication: severe fever develops, convulsions, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, refusal to eat are possible.

Influenza symptoms in adults are not so dangerous. The patient can stay at home. In the first 2 days it is necessary to start taking antiviral drugs. Be sure to consult a doctor during pregnancy, patients over 65 years of age and people with severe chronic diseases.

Diagnosis of influenza

To recognize the disease, it is usually sufficient to collect a history of the disease, complaints and external examination of the patient. Also, the doctor can use a rapid test. It is performed by taking a smear from the back of the throat, and the results are ready in 30 minutes. However, these tests are not always accurate.

If laboratory confirmation of influenza is required, methods are used to identify the genetic material of the virus (PCR) or to determine IgM antibodies to the pathogen in the patient’s blood.

Flu treatment

How to treat flu correctly? To do this, it is necessary to use drugs that act on the virus itself, as well as reduce the severity of symptoms:

• many patients need only bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids;
• in the first 48 hours it is necessary to start taking antiviral drugs; an effective medicine for influenza – oseltamivir or zanamivir, from cheaper ones – rimantadine tablets; however, in recent years there has been an increasing number of cases of influenza virus resistance to these drugs;
• antibiotics for influenza are prescribed only by a doctor in case of a bacterial infection, such as otitis media or pneumonia;

treatment for influenza includes taking antipyretics, anti-inflammatory, antihistamines, which are often available in the form of combination cold powders.

Influenza home treatment includes daily wet cleaning and regular airing of the patient’s room, limiting his contact with healthy family members. In addition to medicines, the patient should drink more water, weak tea, rosehip broth, orange juice. For nutrition, light warm soups or vegetable puree are well suited.

Complications of the flu

A young healthy person usually gets the seasonal flu without any problems. The duration of the disease is about 10 days. However, children and adults at risk may develop the following complications from influenza:

• pneumonia;
• acute bronchitis;
• onset of bronchial asthma;
• inflammation of the heart muscle – myocarditis;
• otitis media

The most dangerous complication, especially for the elderly, is pneumonia. With influenza, it is she who often causes an unfavorable outcome of the disease.

Influenza prophylaxis

Influenza vaccine, unless contraindicated, given annually to all people over 6 months of age. It provides protection to the body against 3-4 types of virus, which are expected to be most active in the coming season. So far, the vaccine is available only in the form of injections. It is not 100% effective, so additional preventive measures must be taken during the epidemic season:

• wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers;
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a handkerchief, or in extreme cases, with the inside of your elbow;
• avoid crowds;
• if the disease cannot be avoided, stay at home for at least 24 hours after the temperature has returned to normal, while the patient is contagious to others.

Flu treatment at Mama Papa Ya Clinic

The network of family clinics Mama Papa Ya offers a variety of medical services to patients with influenza at an affordable price:

• treatment of family members of any age;
• if necessary, consult an ENT doctor and other specialists;
• influenza vaccination.

The clinic has a network of branches in Moscow and other cities. You can make an appointment or call a doctor by phone or on our website.

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Visited the clinic “Mama Papa Ya” with a child. I needed a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist. I liked the clinic. Good service doctors. We didn’t stand in line, everything was the same price.

Evgenia

I liked the first visit. I was carefully examined, additional examinations were prescribed, and good recommendations were given. I will continue the treatment further, I liked the conditions in the clinic.

Kristina

The doctor carefully examined my husband, ordered an ECG and made a preliminary diagnosis. She made recommendations about our situation and ordered additional examinations. So far, there are no comments.