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 manage flu symptoms effectively at home. What treatments are available for the flu. Who is at higher risk for flu complications. How can you prevent the spread of flu.

The Typical Duration of Flu: What to Expect

The influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, affects millions of people worldwide each year. Understanding its typical duration can help individuals better manage their expectations and take appropriate measures for recovery. So, how long does the flu usually last?

For most healthy adults, flu symptoms typically persist for 3-7 days. However, it’s important to note that this timeline can vary depending on several factors, including age, overall health, and the specific strain of the virus. Some individuals may experience lingering effects, such as fatigue or a persistent cough, for up to 2-8 weeks after the initial onset of symptoms.

Flu Timeline: From Onset to Recovery

1. Days 1-2: Sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever, chills, and body aches
2. Days 2-4: Peak of symptoms, often including cough, sore throat, and extreme fatigue
3. Days 5-7: Gradual improvement for many, though some may still feel unwell
4. Beyond Day 7: Most people feel significantly better, but full recovery may take longer

Can the flu last longer than a week? Indeed, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to experience flu symptoms for more than seven days. If symptoms persist or worsen after a week, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out potential complications or secondary infections.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide

Identifying flu symptoms early can help individuals take prompt action and potentially shorten the duration of their illness. What are the most common symptoms of the flu?

• High fever (usually 100°F or higher)
• Chills and sweats
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headache
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dry, persistent cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Is it possible to distinguish flu symptoms from those of a common cold? While there can be some overlap, flu symptoms tend to appear more suddenly and are generally more severe than cold symptoms. The presence of a high fever and extreme fatigue are often key indicators that you’re dealing with the flu rather than a cold.

Effective Home Remedies for Managing Flu Symptoms

While there’s no cure for the flu, several home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery. How can you manage flu symptoms effectively at home?

• Rest: Give your body the time it needs to fight off the virus
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease body aches
• Humidifiers: Add moisture to the air to soothe congestion and coughing
• Warm compresses: Apply to the forehead, sinuses, or neck for comfort
• Saltwater gargles: Can help relieve sore throat pain

Do natural remedies like honey, ginger, or vitamin C supplements help with flu symptoms? While some people find these remedies soothing, scientific evidence for their effectiveness against the flu is limited. However, they’re generally safe to try and may provide some symptom relief.

Medical Treatments for Influenza: When and What to Consider

In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to manage flu symptoms and prevent complications. What treatments are available for the flu?

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), can be prescribed to treat influenza. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. They can help shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the risk of complications.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Should you see a doctor for flu symptoms? It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:

• You’re at high risk for complications (e.g., young children, older adults, pregnant women, or those with chronic health conditions)
• Your symptoms are severe or worsening after a week
• You develop new symptoms, such as severe earache or difficulty breathing
• Your fever persists or returns after initially improving

Is it ever necessary to go to the emergency room for flu symptoms? Yes, in some cases, immediate medical attention is crucial. Seek emergency care if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dizziness, confusion, or persistent vomiting.

High-Risk Groups: Understanding Increased Vulnerability to Flu Complications

While anyone can contract the flu, certain groups are at higher risk for developing serious complications. Who is more susceptible to severe flu outcomes?

• Children under 5, especially those under 2 years old
• Adults 65 years and older
• Pregnant women and those up to two weeks postpartum
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People who are extremely obese (BMI of 40 or higher)

For these high-risk groups, flu symptoms may last longer and have a higher likelihood of leading to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or exacerbation of existing health conditions. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider promptly upon developing flu symptoms.

Preventing the Spread: Effective Strategies to Contain Influenza

Limiting the spread of the flu is crucial for public health. How can you prevent transmitting the virus to others?

• Stay home: Avoid going to work, school, or public places while symptomatic
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose: Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Dispose of tissues properly: Throw used tissues away immediately
• Avoid close contact: Maintain distance from others, especially if you’re sick
• Clean and disinfect: Regularly sanitize frequently touched surfaces

How long should you stay home after having the flu? It’s recommended to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications. This helps ensure you’re no longer contagious and reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others.

The Role of Flu Vaccines in Prevention and Symptom Reduction

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza and reduce its severity. How does the flu shot impact the duration and intensity of flu symptoms?

While the flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee complete immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of contracting the virus. In cases where vaccinated individuals do get the flu, they often experience milder symptoms and a shorter duration of illness compared to those who are unvaccinated.

Benefits of Annual Flu Vaccination

• Reduced risk of flu-related hospitalizations
• Lower likelihood of severe complications
• Shorter duration of symptoms if infection occurs
• Protection for vulnerable populations through community immunity

When is the best time to get a flu shot? The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, before flu season typically peaks. However, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial, as flu activity can last into spring.

Long-Term Effects and Post-Flu Recovery: What to Expect

For most people, full recovery from the flu occurs within a few weeks. However, some individuals may experience lingering effects. What are some potential long-term impacts of the flu?

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Increased susceptibility to secondary infections
• Exacerbation of chronic health conditions

How can you support your body’s recovery after the flu? Focus on getting adequate rest, maintaining proper nutrition, staying hydrated, and gradually returning to normal activities as your strength improves. If you experience prolonged fatigue or other persistent symptoms, consult your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

Rebuilding Strength and Immunity

After recovering from the flu, it’s important to take steps to rebuild your strength and support your immune system. Consider incorporating the following into your post-flu routine:

• Gentle exercise: Start with light activities and gradually increase intensity
• Nutrient-rich diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night
• Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
• Probiotics: Consider adding probiotic-rich foods or supplements to support gut health

Is it possible to get the flu again shortly after recovering? While it’s uncommon to contract the same strain of flu virus immediately after recovery, it is possible to become infected with a different strain. This underscores the importance of continued preventive measures throughout flu season.

Flu in Special Populations: Children, Elderly, and Pregnant Women

The impact and management of influenza can vary significantly among different demographic groups. How does the flu affect children, older adults, and pregnant women differently?

Children and the Flu

Children, especially those under 5, are at higher risk for flu complications. They may experience more severe symptoms and are more likely to develop conditions such as:

• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Pneumonia
• Dehydration

How can parents manage flu symptoms in children? Focus on rest, hydration, and fever control. Use age-appropriate over-the-counter medications as directed by a pediatrician. Seek immediate medical attention if a child experiences difficulty breathing, bluish skin color, or is not drinking enough fluids.

Elderly and the Flu

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

• Longer duration of symptoms
• Higher risk of hospitalization
• Increased likelihood of developing pneumonia
• Exacerbation of chronic health conditions

What special considerations should be taken for older adults with the flu? Close monitoring of symptoms, early consultation with healthcare providers, and prompt treatment with antiviral medications when appropriate are crucial for managing flu in the elderly.

Pregnancy and the Flu

Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe flu complications due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs. The flu can potentially lead to:

• Premature labor and delivery
• Increased risk of birth defects
• Higher likelihood of hospitalization

How should pregnant women protect themselves against the flu? Vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. If flu symptoms develop, prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to discuss appropriate treatment options.

The Economic Impact of Influenza: Beyond Personal Health

The flu’s impact extends beyond individual health, affecting workplaces, healthcare systems, and the broader economy. What are the economic implications of influenza outbreaks?

• Lost productivity due to sick days
• Increased healthcare costs
• Strain on medical facilities during peak flu season
• Disruption of supply chains and services

How can businesses mitigate the impact of flu season? Encouraging vaccination, promoting good hygiene practices, offering flexible work arrangements, and implementing comprehensive sick leave policies can help reduce the spread of flu in the workplace and minimize economic losses.

The Role of Public Health Measures

Public health initiatives play a crucial role in managing the spread and impact of influenza. These may include:

• Widespread vaccination campaigns
• Public education on flu prevention
• Enhanced surveillance and monitoring of flu activity
• Development of pandemic preparedness plans

How effective are these public health measures in controlling flu outbreaks? While their impact can vary, coordinated public health efforts have been shown to significantly reduce the burden of influenza on communities and healthcare systems.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Flu Management

The field of influenza research is continually evolving, with scientists working to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. What are some promising areas of flu research?

• Universal flu vaccines: Aiming to provide broader, longer-lasting protection
• Improved antiviral medications: Developing drugs with enhanced efficacy and reduced resistance
• Advanced diagnostic tools: Creating rapid, accurate tests for flu strains
• Predictive modeling: Enhancing our ability to forecast flu outbreaks and trends

How might these advancements change our approach to flu management in the future? As research progresses, we may see more personalized treatment approaches, more effective prevention strategies, and improved global coordination in response to flu outbreaks.

The Intersection of Flu and Other Respiratory Illnesses

Recent global health events have highlighted the importance of understanding how influenza interacts with other respiratory illnesses. Ongoing research is exploring:

• Co-infections: How flu interacts with other viruses or bacteria
• Cross-protection: Whether immunity to one respiratory virus may offer protection against others
• Syndromic surveillance: Improving our ability to distinguish flu from other respiratory illnesses

What implications does this research have for future flu seasons? A more comprehensive understanding of respiratory illnesses could lead to more effective prevention strategies, improved diagnostic accuracy, and better-tailored treatment approaches.

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.

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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.

Stay Home, Hydrate, Sleep and More

The best way to get over the flu fast is to rest and stay hydrated. But, there are a few additional things you can try to help yourself feel better. If you’re at risk of flu complications, you might also want to check in with your doctor.

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Flu symptoms typically last about a week, but the most severe symptoms only occur for two to three days (though it might feel like an eternity). You might continue to experience fatigue, weakness, and a cough for another week after you recover.

Coming down with the flu can be downright miserable. Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.

Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner.

You may be tempted to go grocery shopping or get ahead on laundry for the week, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice. Stay home from work or school, and put errands on hold until you start to feel better.

On top of helping you recover, staying home also prevents spreading the flu to other people in your community or workplace. The flu can be dangerous for older adults and small children, so it’s vital that you avoid contact with others while you’re contagious.

One symptom of the flu is a high fever, which can lead to sweating. You might also be dealing with bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Your body needs plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids, and even more to fight off the infection.

Water is best, but you can also drink herbal teas or tea with honey. These can have a soothing effect on your symptoms while keeping you hydrated. Two things you should always avoid, though, are alcohol and caffeine.

Sleep is the best medicine for your body while fighting the flu. Watching TV curled up on the couch isn’t a bad idea, but you shouldn’t be binge-watching your favorite Netflix show all night long.

Go to bed earlier than usual and sleep in. You can also take a nap during the day to give your body more time to recover.

Rest and sleep also reduces your risk of serious flu complications, like pneumonia.

It can be difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and cough. Try these tips to breathe easier and have a better night’s sleep:

• Use an extra pillow
  to prop up your head and ease sinus pressure.
• Sleep with a
  humidifier or vaporizer in the room.
• Take a hot
  bath or shower before bed.

You may be tempted to drown your sorrow in a bowl of ice cream and a bag of potato chips, but your body needs better nutrition to recover from the flu.

Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system as it fights off the virus.

You might not have much of an appetite, but it’s still important to eat regular meals to maintain your strength.

Dry air can make your symptoms worse. A vaporizer or humidifier adds moisture to the air and can help loosen up congestion.

There are many types of humidifiers and vaporizers available on the market. Examples include cool-mist humidifiers and steam vaporizers. These can be found easily for a reasonable price at your local big-box store, pharmacy, or online.

The cold and flu aisle of your local drug store is most likely packed with hundreds of different options. Some medications are used to deal with specific symptoms, like nasal congestion, while others treat many flu symptoms at once.

• Pain relievers help reduce a
  fever, headache, and body aches. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil,
  Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Decongestants, like
  pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), help open your nasal passages and relieve
  pressure in your sinuses.
• Cough suppressants, such as
  dextromethorphan (Robitussin), can be used to soothe a dry cough.
• Expectorants helps loosen
  thick mucus and are useful for a cough that is wet and produces mucus.
• Antihistamines tend to have sedative
  effects that may help you sleep.

Be sure to read the product’s label to learn the correct dose for each type of medication and to make sure you’re not accidentally combining medications. Medications like DayQuil are both a pain reliever and a fever reducer, so you shouldn’t be taking another medication on top of that.

Children and teens should never take aspirin for the flu due to the risk of a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Elderberry has been used for hundreds of years in the treatment of colds and the flu.

In one placebo-controlled study, people with the flu who consumed elderberry lozenges four times a day experienced a reduction in fever, headache, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and cough after 48 hours.

In another study, 60 people with flu-like symptoms who ingested 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day experienced improvement in their symptoms four days earlier than people who took a placebo.

A larger study in 312 air travelers found that 300 milligram capsules of elderberry extract taken three times per day reduced cold and flu symptoms and duration in those who ended up getting sick after their travels compared to a placebo group.

Elderberry capsules, lozenges, and syrups are available in stores or online. You shouldn’t eat raw elderberries, as they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Remember, elderberry is a complementary therapy, so make sure you’re also treating the flu with OTC or prescription medication.

Honey is a fairly common natural remedy for soothing a sore throat or cough. Mixing honey with tea is a great way to stay hydrated while also treating your flu symptoms.

In one study, researchers found that a dose of honey was more effective at controlling a nighttime cough than common cough suppressants in children ages two to 18 years with upper respiratory tract infections.

One thing to note, though, is that you shouldn’t give honey to children who are younger than a year old.

Antiviral drugs are only available by prescription, so you must see a doctor first. These medications are typically reserved for people who are at high risk of developing complications from the flu.

These drugs prevent the virus from growing and replicating. They work best if you take them within 48 hours of having symptoms.

You may want to ask a doctor for a prescription antiviral if you:

• are under age 5 (age 2, in particular)
• are 18 or under and taking aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications
• are at least 65
• are pregnant or have given birth in the last two weeks
• have a chronic
  medical condition or you’re taking other medications that weaken your
  immune system
• live in a
  nursing home or long-term care facility
• are Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native)
• are extremely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40

The antiviral medication most commonly prescribed is oseltamivir (Tamiflu). In October 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), a new antiviral for people ages 12 and older.

Taking antiviral medications within two days of the onset of symptoms may reduce both the duration of the flu by about one day and the severity of symptoms.

The annual flu vaccine is produced based on scientists’ predictions of which flu strain will dominate the next flu season. Sometimes, though, they get it wrong. Getting a flu shot after you’ve already had the flu can protect you from other strains of the virus.

You might think it’s too late or that you can’t get the flu again in one season, but it’s still a possibility. So, it’s a good idea to protect yourself by getting vaccinated.

We often forget how much our emotions and attitudes affect how we feel physically. While you may not be able to unclog your stuffy nose or lower your fever with positive thoughts, maintaining a positive attitude during your illness may help in your overall recovery.

The best thing you can do to recover from the flu is allow yourself to sleep, rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you catch your flu symptoms early, and you’re at risk of serious complications, you can try an antiviral medication to help reduce the duration of your symptoms.

Most flu symptoms resolve within one to two weeks. If your flu symptoms start to get better and then get rapidly worse, or don’t subside after two weeks, contact your doctor.

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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Differences between SARS, influenza and coronavirus: symptoms and signs

The situation with SARS and influenza in Russia is getting worse every day. In the second week of December, the number of cases increased by a third, Rospotrebnadzor said. More than half of the cases were due to the new swine flu A (h2N1), which was detected in 82 regions, but other viruses are also recorded. “Izvestia” found out the symptoms of SARS and influenza in adults and ineffective methods of treatment.

Influenza and SARS – what is the difference

SARS is the general name for any respiratory viral infection, and influenza is one of the representatives of this group of viruses. Influenza and SARS are the most common infectious diseases in the world: at least 200 viruses are known to cause SARS. The most common are rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses and respiratory syncytial viruses. All of them are highly contagious and are most often transmitted by airborne droplets. The contact path is also possible: through handshakes, kisses, household items, bedding and children’s toys. If the majority of acute respiratory viral infections are relatively mild, then the flu can lead to extremely dangerous complications, the Moszdrav explains.

Influenza is transmitted very quickly, within a few hours. Signs of influenza:

• The rapid development of the disease.
• High temperature, above 39 degrees, lasts for several days and hardly breaks down.
• Body aches, headaches.
• Frequent dry cough from the second or third day of illness.
• Influenza lasts at least 7-10 days, after which you feel sick for another 2-3 weeks.

Photo: RIA Novosti / Alexander Kondratyuk

The absence of a high temperature in the presence of other flu symptoms may indicate that a person has contracted the coronavirus. To clarify the diagnosis and understand whether it is the flu or the coronavirus, a PCR test will help. This is important because the treatments for infections vary widely. The RPN also explained how to understand if a person has contracted the flu and the coronavirus at the same time.

In ARVI, the disease proceeds a little differently. Signs of SARS:

• Body temperature rises to no more than 39degrees and after 2-3 days returns to normal.
• There is a general weakness of the body, but without severe pain in the muscles and joints, as with influenza.
• ARVI does not last more than a week, after recovery the patient feels well.

ARVI and influenza after the coronavirus, as well as COVID-19 after them, can be more severe due to a decrease in the body’s immune defenses, added Elena Zyablova, deputy chief physician of the Budu online health management service.

SARS, influenza and coronavirus – who is at risk

As Vladimir Chulanov, chief freelance specialist of the Russian Ministry of Health for infectious diseases, specified, children under five years old, adolescents from 15 years old and older people are at risk for the incidence of influenza and SARS 65 years old, as well as pregnant women, employees of medical institutions and citizens with chronic diseases.

Photo: TASS/Vadim Skryabin

The highest dynamics of ARVI and influenza incidence is recorded in the Tyumen Region, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Astrakhan Region, the Komi Republic, the Kostroma and Vologda Regions.

When to get the flu shot

Scientists have long proven that the most effective way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated early. The protective effect occurs two weeks after vaccination, and the resulting immunity lasts for a year. Those vaccinated against the flu practically do not get sick or get sick in a mild form. Officially, this year the flu vaccination campaign has already been completed, Rospotrebnadzor said. According to the head of the department, now it is too late to get vaccinated.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated the need to continue vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 in Russia. He stressed that he had been vaccinated against the flu the day before. “We have a long winter, and the beginning of spring is also often cold. Immunization and vaccination must be continued, people must be protected from all these diseases,” the president said.

How not to get sick with SARS and influenza

• At the height of the disease season, limit attendance at public events.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Wear masks in public places, transport and shopping centers.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Ventilate the room frequently.
• Wet clean rooms with disinfectants.
• Take vitamin complexes and eat more vegetables and fruits.
• Walk more outdoors, lead a healthy lifestyle and get enough sleep.

It is easier for the immune system of a healthy person to fight the virus. If the body is weakened, tired, poisoned by harmful substances, including tobacco and alcohol, resistance is almost impossible. WHO recommendations – at the first sign of illness, take two relatively new drugs – Tamiflu or Relenza.