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

The Typical Duration of Flu: What to Expect

The flu, or influenza, is a common viral infection that affects millions of people each year. Understanding its duration and progression can help individuals better manage their symptoms and recovery. Generally, flu symptoms appear within a few days of infection and peak between days 2 and 4. Most people start feeling better after 5-7 days, but in some cases, symptoms can persist longer.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical flu timeline:

• Days 1-2: Sudden onset of symptoms
• Days 2-4: Peak of symptoms
• Days 5-7: Gradual improvement for most people
• Up to 2 weeks: Lingering fatigue
• Up to 8 weeks: Persistent cough in some cases

Is the flu’s duration the same for everyone? No, the duration can vary depending on factors such as age, overall health, and whether antiviral medications are used. Infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory diseases may experience symptoms for a longer period and are more susceptible to complications.

Common Flu Symptoms and Their Progression

Unlike the common cold, which develops gradually, flu symptoms often appear suddenly. Within hours, an individual can transition from feeling fine to experiencing a range of uncomfortable symptoms. The most common flu symptoms include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Vomiting (in some cases)
• Congestion

How do flu symptoms progress over time? Initially, a high fever often appears before other symptoms. As the infection progresses, symptoms tend to intensify, peaking around days 2-4. By day 5, some individuals begin to feel better, with significant improvement typically occurring by day 7. However, it’s important to note that recovery can be gradual, and some symptoms, such as fatigue and cough, may persist for several weeks.

Factors Influencing Flu Duration and Severity

Several factors can affect how long the flu lasts and how severe the symptoms are:

1. Vaccination Status

Does getting a flu shot impact the duration of illness? While the flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee prevention, it can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Even if vaccinated individuals do contract the flu, they often experience less severe symptoms that resolve more quickly.

2. Antiviral Medications

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can shorten the duration of the flu and lower the risk of serious complications when taken early in the course of the illness.

3. Age and Overall Health

Certain groups, including young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, may experience longer-lasting and more severe symptoms.

4. Prompt Treatment

Seeking medical attention early and following proper care instructions can help reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Flu Symptoms

While many people recover from the flu without complications, it’s crucial to know when to seek medical help. Consider consulting a healthcare provider in the following situations:

• Within 24-48 hours of symptom onset, as antiviral treatments are most effective during this window
• If symptoms don’t improve after 7 days
• If new symptoms, such as ear pain, develop
• If you’re in a high-risk group (e.g., young children, older adults, pregnant women, or those with chronic health conditions)

When should you seek emergency medical treatment for flu symptoms? Immediate medical attention is necessary if:

• Breathing becomes difficult or labored
• Muscle pain is severe enough to prevent walking
• A child develops signs of severe illness
• There are signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output
• Mental confusion or severe dizziness occurs

Strategies to Speed Up Flu Recovery

While there’s no cure for the flu, several strategies can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery:

1. Rest and stay in bed to conserve energy for fighting the infection
2. Stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others
3. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
4. Use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for symptom relief
5. Practice good hand hygiene to avoid spreading the infection within your household
6. Consider using a humidifier to ease respiratory symptoms
7. Eat nutritious foods when appetite returns to support immune function

How effective are natural remedies in treating flu symptoms? While some natural remedies like honey for sore throat or ginger tea for nausea may provide symptom relief, it’s important to note that they don’t treat the underlying viral infection. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatments.

Preventing Flu Complications

Flu complications can be serious and may require hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year due to flu-related complications. To minimize the risk of complications:

• Get vaccinated annually
• Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and care
• Take extra precautions if you’re in a high-risk group

Can flu complications resolve on their own? Flu complications are unlikely to resolve without medical intervention and can be potentially life-threatening. If you suspect you’re developing complications, seek medical attention immediately.

The Role of Antiviral Medications in Flu Treatment

Antiviral medications play a crucial role in managing flu symptoms and preventing complications. These drugs work by inhibiting the virus’s ability to replicate in the body, thereby shortening the duration of illness and reducing the severity of symptoms.

Types of Antiviral Medications

The most commonly prescribed antiviral drugs for flu include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Peramivir (Rapivab)
• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)

How effective are antiviral medications in treating the flu? When taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, these medications can reduce the duration of illness by 1-2 days and lower the risk of complications. They’re particularly beneficial for individuals at high risk of developing severe flu-related complications.

Considerations for Antiviral Use

Before taking antiviral medications, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider. Factors to consider include:

• Timing of symptom onset
• Individual risk factors for complications
• Potential side effects
• Drug interactions with other medications

Are antibiotics effective against the flu? No, antibiotics are not effective against the flu because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. However, in some cases, a secondary bacterial infection may develop as a complication of the flu, which may require antibiotic treatment.

Long-Term Effects and Post-Flu Recovery

While most people recover from the flu within a week or two, some individuals may experience lingering effects or a prolonged recovery period. Understanding these potential long-term impacts can help in managing expectations and seeking appropriate care.

Persistent Symptoms

Some symptoms may persist longer than others:

• Fatigue: Can last up to 2-3 weeks
• Cough: May persist for several weeks, sometimes up to 8 weeks
• Reduced lung function: May take several weeks to fully recover

Post-Viral Syndrome

In some cases, individuals may experience post-viral syndrome, characterized by prolonged fatigue, weakness, and depression. This condition can last for weeks or even months after the initial flu infection has resolved.

How can you support your body’s recovery after the flu? Focus on:

• Getting adequate rest and sleep
• Maintaining proper hydration
• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
• Gradually reintroducing physical activity as strength returns
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

Is it possible to get the flu again shortly after recovering? While it’s uncommon, it is possible to contract a different strain of the flu virus shortly after recovering from one bout of flu. This underscores the importance of continuing to practice good hygiene and taking preventive measures even after recovery.

The Importance of Flu Prevention Strategies

Preventing the flu is always preferable to treating it. Implementing effective prevention strategies can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection. The vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most prevalent strains.

Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good hygiene habits can help prevent the spread of flu:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable
• Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices can boost your immune system and help ward off infections:

• Getting adequate sleep
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress effectively

How effective are these prevention strategies in reducing flu risk? While no method is 100% foolproof, combining vaccination with good hygiene practices and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the flu and experiencing severe symptoms.

Flu in Special Populations: Considerations and Risks

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for severe flu complications and may experience a different course of illness. Understanding these special considerations is crucial for appropriate care and management.

Children

Children, especially those under 5 years old, are at higher risk for flu complications. They may experience:

• Higher fever
• More severe symptoms
• Longer duration of illness
• Increased risk of complications like ear infections or pneumonia

Older Adults

Adults aged 65 and older are more susceptible to severe flu and its complications due to weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions. They may experience:

• Atypical symptoms (e.g., confusion without fever)
• Longer recovery time
• Higher risk of hospitalization

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe flu complications due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs. Special considerations include:

• Higher risk of hospitalization
• Potential complications for both mother and fetus
• Safe use of antiviral medications

Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions

People with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, may experience:

• More severe flu symptoms
• Exacerbation of their underlying condition
• Higher risk of complications
• Longer recovery time

How should care differ for these high-risk populations? These groups often require more vigilant monitoring, earlier intervention with antiviral medications, and may need hospitalization more frequently. It’s crucial for individuals in these groups to seek medical attention promptly at the first sign of flu symptoms.

The Economic and Social Impact of Flu

The flu’s impact extends beyond individual health, affecting workplaces, schools, and the broader economy. Understanding these wider implications can help emphasize the importance of prevention and prompt treatment.

Workplace Absenteeism

The flu can lead to significant workplace absenteeism, with employees typically missing 3-5 days of work. This can result in:

• Reduced productivity
• Increased workload for healthy employees
• Potential spread of the virus in the workplace

Economic Costs

The annual economic burden of the flu is substantial, including:

• Direct medical costs for treatment and hospitalization
• Indirect costs due to lost productivity
• Expenses related to preventive measures (e.g., vaccination programs)

Educational Disruption

In schools and universities, flu outbreaks can lead to:

• Increased student absenteeism
• Disruption of learning continuity
• Potential school closures in severe cases

Healthcare System Strain

During flu season, healthcare systems may experience:

• Increased patient volume in clinics and emergency departments
• Strain on hospital resources, particularly during severe outbreaks
• Potential delays in non-urgent medical care

How can society mitigate the broader impacts of flu? Strategies include:

• Promoting widespread vaccination
• Implementing workplace and school policies that encourage staying home when sick
• Enhancing public health communication and education about flu prevention
• Investing in healthcare infrastructure to manage seasonal surges

By understanding and addressing these wider impacts, communities can work together to reduce the overall burden of influenza on society.

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.

Watch out for the flu! – Clinic “Family Doctor”.

Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. The influenza virus circulates throughout the world and can affect anyone at any age. Annual seasonal epidemics occur in the winter period. Influenza is a serious threat to human life and health, as it can lead to serious complications, even death.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. But what to do if you failed to get vaccinated on time, you were left alone with this insidious virus and fell ill?

You can suspect that you have the flu by the following symptoms: sudden onset of a high temperature (39-40 ° C), cough (usually dry), severe headache, severe muscle and joint pain, severe malaise, sore throat and runny nose.

Antiviral drugs are available to treat influenza, but influenza viruses can develop drug resistance. It is very important to remember that antibiotics do not kill viruses, and their appointment in the early days of the disease is not justified, since antibiotics kill a bacterial infection and do not act on a viral one. Moreover, if prescribed unreasonably, they can cause side effects. The doctor may prescribe an additional antibacterial drug for you on the 3rd-5th day of a viral infection, when a bacterial infection joins the viral infection.

In order to avoid complications, it is very important to start the correct treatment of influenza in time. Remember that the doctor must prescribe the treatment! Self-treatment, without the supervision of a doctor, can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous to your health.

Considering the severe course of the disease, the frequent development of complications and the risk of infecting others, if you feel flu symptoms, call a doctor at home! The doctor in a calm, homely atmosphere will examine you, prescribe the necessary examination and reasonable drug therapy.

The recovery period for influenza lasts 1-2 weeks. Many convalescents experience asthenia, which lasts from a few days to 2-3 weeks and is manifested by fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance and sweating. Subfebrile body temperature up to 37.0-37.2 ° C and weakness may persist. All of these symptoms usually resolve on their own within 1 month.

Publications of our doctors on FLU and SARS

• Protecting ourselves from influenza and SARS
• Acute respiratory diseases
• Treatment of SARS and influenza
• Treatment and prevention of influenza in children
• Influenza shot
• Measures to prevent influenza and SARS

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How to distinguish influenza from SARS

In this article you will learn what is the difference between influenza and SARS and why you need to distinguish between these diseases for proper treatment and prevention.

Many people are accustomed to calling any ailment a “cold” and do not consider this condition dangerous. Indeed, there are similarities between all acute respiratory diseases. But they can be caused by different viruses and bacteria, run differently, and lead to different health outcomes. Therefore, the diagnosis and control of the doctor is actually very important.

At the first symptoms of a respiratory viral infection, you can contact a MedEx clinic physician. We will help to accurately determine the nature of the disease and quickly cure it.

Miscellaneous exciters

The main difference between influenza and SARS is the reason. The causative agent of SARS can be any of more than 200 viruses (adenoviruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and many others). All respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms and require the same treatment, but from a scientific point of view, SARS is not one disease, but a large group.

With the flu, the situation is different: it is caused by a very specific virus. Of course, the flu virus exists in three different types and constantly mutates, but scientists constantly monitor these changes and take them into account when preparing for each season of the epidemic.

Miscellaneous onset and course of disease

An experienced doctor can recognize the cause of the disease by the way it began and proceeds. Therefore, at the appointment with the therapist, tell in detail about your feelings from the first day when you felt that you were sick.

The main differences are:

• Influenza usually starts very abruptly. Literally within an hour or two, a high temperature rises and chills begin. The person feels unwell and tends to lie down, even if there are no respiratory signs of the disease yet. At the same time, ARVI can develop gradually and begin with slight weakness and sore throat.
• The general condition of a sick person with ARVI is usually better – there is weakness due to fever and unpleasant symptoms like a runny nose. During the flu, the patient often feels severe body aches, appetite disappears, sometimes weakness and dizziness literally do not allow to get out of bed. And most importantly, after the flu, weakness usually persists for another week or more.
• Complete recovery from SARS usually occurs within a week. Influenza usually lasts longer: up to 10 days the acute phase of the disease, 2-3 weeks – asthenic syndrome, that is, weakness and decreased performance due to intoxication of the body.

Slight differences in symptoms

In general, the picture with ARVI and influenza is similar: a person feels very cold, he is concerned about respiratory manifestations of the disease and fever. But the difference still exists, and it is important to see it in order to consult a doctor in time at the slightest suspicion of the flu.

The most important differences between flu and SARS symptoms to be aware of:

• With ARVI, a runny nose and sneezing usually appear immediately, on the very first day of the disease. With influenza, these symptoms are initially absent, they can only join on the 2-3rd day of illness and are considered a complication.
• The body temperature during influenza is higher: it can rise to 38.5-40 ° C and stay for several days. If it’s the flu, it’s usually hard to bring down the fever. At the same time, ARVI rarely gives a temperature above 38 ° C, and after 2-3 days the fever subsides.
• Some symptoms are especially pronounced with influenza: chills, pain in the eyes and photophobia, increased sweating, intense headache, redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes. Dizziness may also appear. All this is a consequence of the fact that with influenza, intoxication of the body is stronger and develops faster.
• Influenza more often than SARS is accompanied by indigestion – especially in a child.
• Cough with ARVI usually appears immediately, and with influenza it may not occur at all or join on the 2-3rd day of illness. During the flu, the cough is dry, often accompanied by chest pain.

There is a vaccine against influenza

Unlike SARS, influenza in adults and children can be prevented by vaccination. This is possible because although the flu virus is constantly evolving, it still comes in only 3 types: A, B and C. The number of strains is limited, and scientists constantly monitor their mutation, so they can prepare for each season of the epidemic.

What is important to know if you are planning to get a flu shot:

• It does not provide 100% protection. If a person has been vaccinated, this does not mean that he will definitely not get the flu this season and may not comply with preventive measures. But the risk is still reduced by 70-80%, and this is already a good indicator.
• Vaccination reduces the risk of complications from influenza and relieves symptoms of the disease. Even if a vaccinated person becomes infected, they are likely to recover from the flu more quickly and easily. Therefore, it makes sense to take root in any case.
• A vaccine is developed annually. Each season of the epidemic is dominated by different strains of the virus, so the vaccine formula is regularly adapted by scientists. The vaccine simultaneously provides protection against several of the most dangerous varieties of influenza that will be common this year.
• Vaccination should be done in advance, and not during the season of high incidence. The optimal margin of time to have time to form your own immunity is 3-4 weeks before the start of the season. In Russia, it usually begins in October-November, so the standard time for influenza vaccination is early autumn.

At the same time, it is impossible to vaccinate against SARS, because this is too large a group of viral diseases. To prepare for a seasonal outbreak of SARS, you should strengthen your immune system in advance with proper nutrition, hardening, healthy sleep patterns and other methods. And directly in the cold season, you need to take additional precautions: dress according to the weather, wash your hands more often and avoid crowded places unless absolutely necessary.

What do SARS and influenza have in common

Despite the differences in the symptoms of influenza and SARS in adults, there are some common points. Strictly speaking, the flu is also one of the varieties of SARS. But since it is more severe and more likely to lead to complications, it is important to diagnose it separately and distinguish it from all other respiratory infections.

What unites these two diagnoses:

• It is useless to treat both ARVI and influenza with antibiotics – these are diseases of a viral nature; drugs for their treatment are selected by a general practitioner after a personal consultation.
• The main thing for recovery is to keep the body calm, drink plenty of warm liquids and make sure that the body temperature does not rise excessively. These rules are relevant for any acute respiratory disease – an acute respiratory disease.
• Influenza and SARS are highly contagious and are transmitted in the same way: by airborne droplets, by physical contact with a sick person, or through surfaces that an infected person has touched.
• Epidemic nature: the incidence of SARS and influenza in Russia increases sharply every year in the autumn-winter period and in the spring. The peak incidence usually occurs in January-February. At this time, schools and kindergartens are closed for quarantine throughout the country, and polyclinics are overcrowded.
• At risk for SARS and influenza are children under 14 years of age, pensioners, pregnant women and adults with weakened immunity for various reasons. These groups of people are more likely to catch the virus and need to be monitored by a doctor during an illness.
• SARS and influenza are fraught with similar complications: against their background, inflammatory processes can occur in the lungs and bronchi, middle ear, sinuses, and even in the heart or brain.

In addition, after the flu, the likelihood of serious life-threatening complications is higher. Therefore, it is so dangerous to carry the disease “on your feet” and self-medicate – it is important to diagnose and treat it under medical supervision.