How long do influenza A symptoms typically last. What are the common signs and symptoms of uncomplicated flu. When should you seek medical attention for flu complications. How can you differentiate between a cold and the flu.

Understanding Influenza A: Symptoms and Duration

Influenza A, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people worldwide each year. Understanding its symptoms and duration is crucial for proper management and prevention of complications. Let’s delve into the typical timeline of influenza A and what you can expect during the course of the illness.

Typical Duration of Influenza A Symptoms

How long do influenza A symptoms typically last. For most individuals, uncomplicated influenza symptoms resolve within 3-7 days. However, certain symptoms, such as cough and fatigue, may persist for more than two weeks, especially in elderly individuals or those with chronic lung conditions. It’s important to note that while the acute phase of the illness may be relatively short, full recovery can take longer.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Uncomplicated Influenza

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of influenza A is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The onset of flu symptoms is typically abrupt, distinguishing it from the gradual onset often associated with the common cold.

• Fever (usually high)
• Chills
• Muscle aches (myalgia)
• Headache
• Fatigue and malaise
• Nonproductive cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose (rhinitis)

It’s worth noting that not everyone with influenza will experience fever, particularly elderly or immunosuppressed individuals. Additionally, young children may exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea alongside respiratory symptoms.

The Progression of Influenza A: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

Understanding the typical progression of influenza A can help you gauge your recovery and know when to seek medical attention. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

1. Days 1-2: Sudden onset of symptoms, often including high fever, body aches, and fatigue
2. Days 3-4: Peak of symptoms, with fever and body aches often most severe
3. Days 5-7: Gradual improvement of symptoms for most people
4. Days 8-14: Continued recovery, with lingering cough and fatigue possible

Is this timeline the same for everyone. No, individual experiences may vary, and some people may recover more quickly or take longer to feel completely well.

Complications of Influenza A: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of influenza A resolve without complications, certain individuals are at higher risk for severe illness. It’s crucial to be aware of potential complications and know when to seek medical help.

High-Risk Groups for Influenza Complications

• Children under 5 years old, especially those under 2
• 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

When should you seek immediate medical attention for flu symptoms. Watch for these warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to arouse
• Seizures
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

Differentiating Between Influenza A and the Common Cold

Distinguishing between influenza A and the common cold can be challenging, as they share some similar symptoms. However, there are key differences that can help you identify which illness you might be dealing with.

Flu vs. Cold: Key Differences

• Onset: Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly, while cold symptoms develop gradually
• Fever: High fever is common with the flu, but rare with colds
• Body aches: More severe and common with the flu
• Fatigue: Often more pronounced and longer-lasting with the flu
• Headaches: More common and severe with the flu
• Chest discomfort: Often more severe with the flu

Can you have the flu without a fever. Yes, it’s possible, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. However, fever is a common symptom in most cases of influenza.

Treatment and Management of Influenza A Symptoms

While there’s no cure for influenza A, several strategies can help manage symptoms and promote faster recovery. The primary goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

• Rest: Allow your body time to fight the infection
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate body aches
• Try a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help ease congestion and coughing
• Gargle with salt water: This can help relieve a sore throat

Antiviral Medications

In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications. These drugs can shorten the duration of the flu and help prevent complications, especially in high-risk individuals. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Do antiviral medications cure the flu. No, they don’t cure the flu, but they can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, and help prevent serious complications.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Yourself and Others from Influenza A

Preventing the spread of influenza A is crucial for public health. Here are some effective strategies to protect yourself and others:

Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most common circulating strains.

Hygiene Practices

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Social Distancing

During flu season, especially if you’re feeling unwell:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you’re ill to prevent spreading the virus to others
• Consider wearing a mask in public spaces, particularly if you’re at high risk for complications

How effective is the flu vaccine. While its effectiveness can vary from year to year, flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the vaccine.

Long-Term Effects and Recovery from Influenza A

While most people recover fully from influenza A within a few weeks, some individuals may experience longer-term effects or a more prolonged recovery period.

Potential Long-Term Effects

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke in the weeks following infection
• Exacerbation of underlying chronic conditions

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

1. Gradually return to normal activities as you feel able
2. Continue to prioritize rest and sleep
3. Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
4. Stay hydrated
5. Consider gentle exercise once you’re feeling better to boost your immune system
6. Follow up with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen

How long does it take to regain full strength after the flu. While most people feel better within a week or two, it can take up to a month to feel back to your normal energy levels. Be patient with your body and give yourself time to fully recover.

Special Considerations: Influenza A in Specific Populations

Certain groups may experience influenza A differently or be at higher risk for complications. Let’s explore some special considerations for specific populations:

Children

Children, especially those under 5, are at higher risk for flu complications. They may also present with different symptoms compared to adults:

• Higher likelihood of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Increased risk of severe complications like pneumonia or encephalopathy
• Potential for febrile seizures in young children

Elderly

Older adults, particularly those over 65, may have a different presentation of influenza A:

• Less likely to have fever
• May experience confusion or worsening of existing chronic conditions
• Higher risk of severe complications and hospitalization

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe influenza complications:

• Higher risk of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission
• Potential for pregnancy complications, including preterm labor
• Importance of prompt antiviral treatment if influenza is suspected

Should pregnant women get the flu vaccine. Yes, the flu vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. It can provide protection for both the mother and the developing baby.

The Impact of Influenza A on Public Health and Society

Influenza A has significant implications beyond individual health, affecting communities and society at large:

Economic Impact

• Lost productivity due to sick days
• Increased healthcare costs
• Strain on healthcare systems during peak flu season

Social Impact

• Disruption to education when schools experience outbreaks
• Potential for widespread absenteeism in workplaces
• Increased burden on caregivers

Public Health Measures

• Importance of surveillance systems to track flu activity
• Need for coordinated vaccination campaigns
• Development of pandemic preparedness plans

How does influenza A compare to other public health threats. While less severe than some pandemic threats, seasonal influenza remains a significant public health concern due to its annual recurrence and potential for widespread impact.

Understanding the duration, symptoms, and impact of influenza A is crucial for individuals and society as a whole. By recognizing the signs early, seeking appropriate care, and taking preventive measures, we can reduce the burden of this common but potentially serious illness. Remember, while most cases of influenza A resolve within a week, it’s important to stay vigilant, practice good hygiene, and consult healthcare professionals when needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Influenza

Signs and Symptoms

Uncomplicated influenza

Uncomplicated influenza illness is typically characterized by the abrupt onset of constitutional and upper respiratory tract signs and symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, myalgia, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis). However, many people who are sick with influenza virus infection do not manifest fever, especially those who are elderly or immunosuppressed. Atypical signs and symptoms of influenza virus infection can occur, including in frail, institutionalized elderly long-term care facility residents. Among young children with influenza, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also occur with respiratory symptoms. Uncomplicated influenza signs and symptoms typically resolve after 3-7 days for the majority of people, although cough and malaise can persist for >2 weeks, especially in elderly people and those with chronic lung disease.

Complications

Influenza virus infection of the respiratory tract can cause a wide range of complications that can result in severe disease. Certain people are at increased risk for complications from influenza. In young children, otitis media and respiratory complications such as croup, bronchiolitis, and tracheitis can occur. Other complications in children include cardiac (myocarditis and pericarditis), musculoskeletal (severe myositis), and neurologic (encephalopathy, encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis). Reye syndrome is associated with influenza (more common with influenza B than influenza A virus infections) and salicylate exposure; however Reye syndrome with influenza is very rare since aspirin use in children with influenza or varicella was recommended against in 1982. In peopleof all ages, influenza can result in dehydration, and exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma), Both primary influenza viral pneumonia and secondary invasive bacterial pneumonia (most commonly with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-sensitive or  methicillin-resistant, and group A Streptococcus) can lead to acute lung injury, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. Invasive infection with Neisseria meningitidis resulting in meningococcemia and meningitis can follow influenza.

Information about influenza disease burden is available.

Information on currently approved influenza tests, and guidance on interpretation of testing results is available, as is guidance on antiviral treatment. The Infectious Diseases Society of America Influenza Clinical Practice Guidelinesexternal icon provide additional information about complications associated with influenza, influenza testing, interpretation of testing results, and treatment recommendations.

The Flu (Influenza) (for Parents)

What Is the Flu?

The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). It’s caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person. Flu viruses usually cause the most illness during the colder months of the year. In the United States, flu season is from October to May.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of the Flu?

When people have the flu, they usually feel worse than they do with a cold. Most people start to feel sick about 2 days after they come in contact with the flu virus. They might have:

Babies with the flu also may suddenly seem fussy or just “not look right.”

What Causes the Flu?

The flu gets its name from the virus that causes it — the influenza virus. It spreads when people cough or sneeze out droplets that are infected with the virus and other people breathe them in. The droplets also can land on things like doorknobs or shopping carts, infecting people who touch them.

Is the Flu Contagious?

The flu is very contagious. People can spread it from a day before they feel sick until their symptoms are gone. This is about 1 week for adults, but it can be longer for young kids.

The flu usually happens in annual epidemics. An epidemic is when an illness spreads quickly and infects lots of people in an area at the same time. Some years the epidemic is more severe and widespread than others. An epidemic that spreads worldwide is called a pandemic. This is far less common. There were three influenza pandemics in the 20th century, and one so far in the 21st century, in 2009 with influenza A (h2N1).

During the coronavirus pandemic, experts found that wearing masks can help protect the community from the spread of germs. They recommended that all children age 2 and up wear a mask when out in public or around people who don’t live with them. Wearing masks can also help stop the spread of flu.

How Is the Flu Diagnosed?

Often, how a child looks is enough for health care providers to diagnose the flu. Kids who have it usually look ill and miserable.

Other infections can cause symptoms similar to the flu. So if health care providers need to be sure that someone has influenza, they might do a test. They’ll take a sample of mucus by wiping a long cotton swab inside the nose or throat. Results might be ready quickly, or can take longer if the test is sent to a lab.

How Is the Flu Treated?

Most kids with flu get better at home. Make sure your child:

• drinks lots of liquids to prevent dehydration
• gets plenty of sleep and takes it easy
• takes acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches. Don’t give kids or teens aspirin because of its link to Reye syndrome.
• wears layers that are easy to remove. Kids might feel cold one minute and hot the next.

Children with the flu should stay home from school and childcare until they feel better. They should go back only when they haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medicine. Some kids need to stay home longer. Ask the doctor what’s best for your child.

Doctors may prescribe antiviral medicine for a very ill child or kids are at risk for more serious symptoms. The medicine can shorten the flu by 1–2 days. It works best if children start taking it within 48 hours of the start of the flu. If a doctor prescribes antiviral medicine for your child, ask about any possible side effects. Doctors won’t prescribe antibiotics for the flu. Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses.

What Problems Can Happen?

Some children are more likely to have problems when they get the flu, including:

• kids up to age 5, especially babies
• people with a weak immune system from medicines (such as chemotherapy or long-term steroid use) or illnesses or illnesses (like HIV infection or cancer)
• people with chronic (long-term) medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
• kids or teens who take aspirin regularly
• people who are very obese
• women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, just had a baby, or are breastfeeding
• people who live in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
• people 65 years and older

If they get the flu, their illness can be more serious. They can develop pneumonia or get even sicker from other kinds of infections (like bacterial infections). If this happens, many will need medical care in the hospital. So it’s important for them not to be near anyone who has the flu or flu-like symptoms.

People who have flu symptoms should keep their distance from anyone who might get very sick if they catch the flu.

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Fever and other flu symptoms often go away after a week or so, but some people may still have a cough or feel weak for longer than that.

Can the Flu Be Prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to avoid the flu. But getting the flu vaccine every year can help. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get it each year.

Most doctor’s offices, clinics, and drugstores offer the flu vaccine from September to mid-November. It’s best to get it before the end of October. But even if you don’t get it at the start of the flu season, it’s not too late to get one while the flu is still going around.

If your child is sick, has a fever, or is wheezing, talk to your doctor to see if you need to reschedule the flu vaccine.

What Else Can Help?

To make spreading the flu less likely, everyone in your family should::

• Wash hands well and often with soap, especially after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and before eating or preparing food
• Never pick up used tissues.
• Never share cups and eating utensils.
• Stay home from work or school if they have the flu.
• Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, then put it in the trash.
• Cough or sneeze into their upper arm, not their hands, if a tissue isn’t handy.

Influenza (Flu) in Children | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is the flu in children?

Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. It is one of the most severe and common viral illnesses of the winter season. Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. The flu may also lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death.

What causes the flu in a child?

The flu is caused by flu viruses. Flu viruses are divided into 3 types:

• Influenza types A and B. These 2 types of viruses cause widespread illness (epidemics) almost every winter. They often lead to more people needing to go to the hospital, and more people dying from the flu. Public health officials focus on stopping the spread of types A and B. One of the reasons the flu remains a problem is because the viruses change (mutate) often. This means that people are exposed to new types of the viruses each year.

• Influenza type C. This type of virus causes a very mild respiratory illness or no symptoms at all. It does not cause epidemics. It does not have the severe public health impact that influenza types A and B do.

A flu virus is often passed from child to child through sneezing or coughing. The virus can also live for a short time on surfaces. This includes doorknobs, toys, pens or pencils, keyboards, phones and tablets, and countertops. It can also be passed through shared eating utensils and drinking. Your child can get a flu virus by touching something that was touched by an infected with person, and then touching his or her mouth, nose, or eyes.

People are most contagious with the flu 24 hours before symptoms start, continuing while symptoms are most active. The risk of infecting others usually stops around day 7 of the illness. Because the flu can be spread before symptoms start, it’s easy to pick up a flu virus. This is true especially with children, who often touch many surfaces and then their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Which children are at risk for the flu?

A child is more at risk for the flu if he or she:

• Is around people infected with the flu

• Has not had the flu vaccine

• Does not wash his or her hands after touching infected surfaces

Young children and children with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk for a hospital stay or severe or complicated influenza infection.

What are the symptoms of the flu in a child?

The flu is a respiratory disease, but it can affect the whole body. A child can become suddenly ill with any or all of these symptoms:

• Fever, which may be as high as 103°F (39.4°C) to 105°F (40.5°C)

• Body aches, which may be severe

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Cough that gets worse

• Tiredness

• Runny or stuffy nose

In some cases, your child may also have symptoms such as:

Most children recover from the flu within a week. But they may still feel very tired for as long as 3 to 4 weeks.

It’s important to note that a cold and the flu have different symptoms:

A cold is usually mild and often goes away after a few days. The flu can cause severe symptoms and lead to problems such as pneumonia and even death. The symptoms of the flu can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is the flu diagnosed in a child?

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. The symptoms are often enough to diagnose the flu. Your child’s provider may do other tests, depending on your child’s symptoms and overall health.

How is the flu treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms.

Treatment may include medicines such as:

• Acetaminophen. This is to help lessen body aches and fever. Don’t give aspirin to a child with a fever.

• Cough medicine. This may be prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider.

• Antiviral medicine. This may help to ease symptoms, and shorten the length of illness. This medicine does not cure the flu. The medicine must be started within 2 days after symptoms begin.

Antibiotics aren’t effective against viral infections, so they are not prescribed. Instead, treatment focuses on helping ease your child’s symptoms until the illness passes.

Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

Also make sure your child:

• Gets lots of rest in bed

• Drinks plenty of fluids

What are possible complications of the flu in a child?

The flu can cause severe breathing problems. A child with severe symptoms may need to stay in the hospital. The flu can lead to a lung infection called pneumonia. In some cases, the flu can lead to death.

How can I help prevent the flu in my child?

The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is given as a shot (injection). A nasal spray is not recommended for the 2017-2018 flu season. The CDC says this is because the nasal spray did not seem to protect against the flu over the last several flu seasons.

Each year, a new flu vaccine is available before the start of the flu season. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about how vaccines work and how well they prevent flu. The first time a child between the ages of 6 months and 8 years gets a flu vaccine, he or she will need a second flu vaccine one month later.

The vaccine is advised for all children 6 months and older. But for some children, it’s more critical for them to get a flu shot. The flu shot should be given to any child who has any of these:

• A long-term heart or lung condition

• An endocrine disorder such as diabetes

• A kidney or liver disorder

• Weak immune system from HIV/AIDS or long-term steroids

• A blood disorder such as sickle cell disease

A flu shot should also be given to:

• A child who has a family member with a chronic health condition

• A child or teen taking aspirin as long-term therapy

• A child with parents or caregivers at high risk of complications from the flu

Some side effects of the vaccine can be like mild flu symptoms, but the vaccine does not cause the flu. Possible side effects of the flu vaccine include:

• Soreness in the arm where the shot was given

• Short-term symptoms such as mild headache or a low-grade fever for about 1 day after the shot

• In rare cases, an allergic reaction in a child who has a severe allergy to eggs. Vaccines are available for those with an egg allergy.

In addition to the flu vaccine, you can do other things to help reduce your child’s risk of getting the flu. You can also:

• Limit your child’s contact with infected people, if possible.

• Have your child wash his or her hands often

And you can help prevent your child spreading the flu to others if you:

• Have your child cover his or her nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze in the crook of the arm.

• Wash your hands before and after caring for your child.

• Clean surfaces in the home that others may touch.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Call the healthcare provider if your child has:

Key points about the flu in children

• Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory system.

• It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms.

• Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. The flu may also lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death.

• The flu may be treated with acetaminophen, cough medicine, and antiviral medicine. Your child will also need lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids.

• The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. Because the viruses change, researchers create a new flu vaccine each year to help protect against strains of the virus that are currently active. The vaccine is advised for all children 6 months and older.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Influenza (the Flu): Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

Flu symptoms can vary from person to person, but most people with influenza will experience some degree of fever, chills, headaches, body aches, congestion, coughing, and fatigue.

While the symptoms are similar to a cold or upper respiratory tract infection, the main difference is that flu symptoms hit you quickly. With the flu, you typically go from feeling fine to miserable in a matter of hours.

If you think you might have the flu, contact your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action and treatment for you. Anti-viral medications taken in the first 48 hours after symptom onset can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.

Frequent Symptoms

Flu symptoms come on quickly and typically last a week or two, though sometimes symptoms can linger mildly for a bit before you feel back to normal. Common symptoms include the following.

 Verywell / Jessica Olah

Fever and Chills

Fever is almost always present with the flu, and it usually comes on suddenly. When you have a high fever, you’re also likely to experience chills because the higher your body temperature, the colder the air feels.

A fever is the body’s defense against the flu virus. Viruses thrive at a normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees F, and while uncomfortable, running a fever helps your body fight off the flu. Whether or not to treat the fever depends on how high the temperature is and the person’s age. 

A low-grade fever (98.7 to 100.4 degrees F) is typically not a concern for adults or most children. It may be best to let a mild fever run its course. However, if you are very uncomfortable or the fever reaches 102 degrees F, bringing the fever down slightly is advised. Use these tactics:

• Consider appropriate fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen (over the age of 6 months), or aspirin (in adults only)
• Try a lukewarm bath or sponge bath.
• Avoid bundling up, as this can increase your body temperature.

A rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F in babies 3-month-old and younger or 102.2 degrees F in children under a year warrants a call to your doctor.

In children over a year old and adults, a temperature above 105 degrees F is cause for concern. A very high fever (over 107.6 degrees F) can lead to brain damage and is considered a medical emergency.

Exhaustion

One of the most significant symptoms that people describe when they get the flu is pure exhaustion. This is generally an overall feeling of being completely worn out.

You probably will be unable to perform daily activities, and fatigue is often so severe that it is hard to just get out of bed. This exhaustion is much more pronounced than the tiredness you may feel from a cold.

Aches and Pains

Feeling “achy” is how many people with the flu describe their state. Your muscles are usually very sore, and moving around too much causes discomfort. Body aches and pains are more common with the flu than with many other illnesses.

Coughing

Coughing may be productive (producing mucus) or non-productive. With the flu, people most often have a dry cough.

If you develop a productive cough with fever, contact your doctor. This is especially true if you have had a dry cough, start to feel better, then have a wet or productive cough with a fever. This is often how a secondary infection, like pneumonia, develops.

Headache

Headaches are common with the flu and can be quite severe, compounding your level of discomfort. Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help.

Congestion

Severe congestion is more common when you have a cold, but many people will experience some congestion with the flu as well. It is typically mild.

Rare Symptoms

Vomiting and diarrhea are not common flu symptoms for most people, but some do experience them. Children are more likely to have vomiting and diarrhea with influenza than adults.

If vomiting and diarrhea are your primary and most significant symptoms, you probably have a stomach bug (sometimes referred to as the stomach flu, though it is not influenza) instead.

Complications

For most people, flu symptoms resolve in one to two weeks. Complications are typically mild, such as sinus or ear infections. The flu can, however, be serious and life-threatening. In fact, there are 12,000 to 61,000 deaths from influenza in the United States each year.

Serious complications of the flu can include: 

• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart
• Encephalitis, swelling of the brain
• Multi-organ failure
• Sepsis
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

High-Risk Groups

Those at higher risk of complications from the flu include:

• Adults ages 65 and older
• People who are pregnant
• Children under the age of 5
• People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
• Those who are immunocompromised

When to See a Doctor

If, based on the symptoms, you believe you may have the flu, call your doctor right away. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can lessen the severity and duration of the flu if started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.

Your doctor may want you to come in to confirm the influenza virus with a rapid in-office test or may prescribe an antiviral solely based on your symptoms and flu activity in your area.

You should also contact your doctor if symptoms continue to worsen after a week, or you develop a fever or productive cough after you have started to feel better. This could indicate a secondary infection, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Other symptoms that require a call to your doctor include severe muscle pain, weakness, or unsteadiness, and any worsening of chronic medical conditions.

When to Call 911

The flu can quickly take a turn for the worse and may require emergency care. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention as they may be a sign of serious or life-threatening complications:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
• Seizures
• No urination
• A fever above 105 degrees F that does not respond to medication

In children, seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
• Dehydration (no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• Not alert or interacting when awake
• Seizures
• A high fever (above 100.3 in infants under 12 weeks of age, above 102.2 degrees F in children under a year, or above 104 degrees F under the age of 12) that does not respond to medication

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for flu symptoms to appear?

Symptoms can begin between one and four days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. Even though you’re most contagious after your illness begins, it is possible to give the flu to someone else before you realize you’re sick.

How do you treat flu symptoms at home?

At-home remedies for mild symptoms include getting lots of rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, and taking over-the-counter medications like Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) for fever and discomfort. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers as it can lead to a dangerous condition called Reye’s syndrome.

How long does the flu last if you take Tamiflu?

While the typical flu is about seven to 10 days, you may be able to shorten your illness by one to three days by taking Tamiflu. For those with compromised immune systems, taking Tamiflu can also help reduce the risk of pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections.

What is Influenza? Stay Informed on Flu Strains

What is Influenza? Stay Informed on Flu Strains

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How Long Does The Flu Last

What is the flu? 

Influenza (flu) is a viral illness that is present throughout the year but is especially common in winter. Symptoms tend to appear quickly and include a fever (high temperature), headache, chesty cough, loss of appetite and fatigue (tiredness). The flu is a respiratory virus that can be spread easily through germs propelled into the air by sick people whilst coughing or sneezing. 

It’s often hard to spot the difference between the common cold and the flu. Whilst both are respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. The symptoms of a cold are similar to the flu but are usually milder and accompany a runny or stuffy nose. Colds in general do not result in serious health problems, whereas the flu can lead to hospitalisation and even death. 

How long does the flu last?

The symptoms of the flu appear very quickly after exposure to the virus (one to four days) and tend to last about a week. However, for other people symptoms may last longer if you fall under one of these categories: 

• Aged over 65
• Pre-existing condition such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes etc. 
• Pregnant
• High BMI (body mass index)

Those within these high risk groups are likely to have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to the symptoms of flu. 

What are the stages of the flu?

Symptoms of the flu appear quickly compared to the cold or other viruses, which tend to have a more gradual presentation. Usually symptoms appear and peak within one to four days after exposure. By day five people often report an improvement in how they’re feeling, and after a full week some feel well enough to return to work and resume their normal life. 

Whilst it’s not unusual to still be experiencing symptoms after a week, symptoms should not be getting worse. If they are getting worse then it’s important to visit your GP to rule out any complications. 

How long are you contagious with the flu? 

Once you’ve caught the flu, you’re likely contagious from the day your symptoms start for up to seven days. Those who are infectious for longer tend to be children or people with weakened immune systems. 

Some people with the flu may begin to infect others before symptoms begin. Usually the virus is spread by droplets in the air caused by people coughing, sneezing or talking. Those within six feet of an infected person are at risk of these droplets landing in their mouth, nose or possibly being inhaled into the lungs It’s also possible to spread the virus through contact transmission, such as touching a door handle frequently used by others who then go on to touch their mouth, nose or eyes 

For the safety of those around you, if you suspect you have the flu, it’s recommended you stay indoors for the duration of your illness so as not to infect others. 

Learn more about how the flu is spread and how to prevent it.

Considering a flu vaccine?

Book a flu jab

How can I alleviate flu symptoms? 

By receiving a yearly flu vaccine you are far less likely to catch the virus, and if you do catch it the symptoms you experience will be less severe. 

If you have caught the flu, there are plenty of things you can do to increase the speed of your recovery, such as: 

• Drink plenty of water – dehydration can occur more easily when you have a fever
• Stay off your feet – it’s important you give your body a chance to recover by getting enough sleep and rest 
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen – these are known to reduce fever and will help with any aches and pains
• Keep warm 

What if symptoms of the flu won’t go away?

If your symptoms are lasting longer than expected or seem to be getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111 for more advice. 

The flu vaccine

You’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine if:

• You’re over 50
• You’re pregnant
• You have asthma or a lung condition
• You have chronic heart disease
• You have diabetes
• You have a chronic kidney or liver condition
• You’ve had a stroke
• You have an illness or are taking medicines that affect your immune system

If you fall into one of these categories, you can book a free flu jab through LloydsPharmacy. If you’re not eligible, you can pay to get a flu jab from LloydsPharmacy. Find our more by visiting the LloydsPharmacy flu vaccine service page.

Sources

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/flu
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/infections/how-long-is-someone-infectious-after-a-viral-infection
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-long-does-the-flu-last

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Recovering from the flu is an uncomfortable process that often feels longer than it actually is. When flu symptoms like fever, body aches, sore throat and cough set in, one of the first questions you will probably ask yourself is, “How long can this possibly last?”

On average, flu symptoms manifest within one to four days after exposure to the virus and continue for about five to seven days after. For some individuals, the symptoms may last closer to two weeks. If you have the flu, you are most contagious in the early days of your illness, but you can begin to infect others as soon as one day prior to your own symptoms even appearing.

Take comfort in the fact that while unpleasant, flu symptoms mean your immune system is working hard to ward off the virus.

Nearly 8% of the U.S. population comes down with the flu each season, according to a recent study by the CDC. As students or office mates return to school or work too soon after contracting this contagious respiratory illness, they put their fellow coworkers or colleagues at risk. 

Active coughing and sneezing increase the spread of infection, so it’s generally best to avoid close contact with others if you are suffering from these conditions. A general rule of thumb is to wait until you are fever-free for 24 hours or longer before returning to school or work. This helpful checklist can help you determine whether you are ready to return to work after being out sick.

Is there anything you can do beforehand to avoid contracting the flu? Getting an annual flu shot is the single best way to prevent it. The flu shot is not a live vaccine and does not cause the flu. Yes, you do need to get one every year, as over time the immune protection from the vaccine decreases.

The flu shot takes about two weeks to provide immunity, and it is recommended for everyone older than 6 months of age. Other tactics for avoiding illness include washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating.

Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however flu vaccination has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources.

While the flu vaccine will cover most common strains from the previous year, it does not include every strain. This means that while the flu shot is our most helpful defense for preventing flu, it is not a complete guarantee that you will not get it. If you have already received your shot, you should still avoid others with the flu as they may have another strain of the virus than the ones you were vaccinated against. And even if you have already had the flu this season you should still get the vaccine in order to prevent getting another strain during the same year.

Patients should get their flu shot at their most convenient source, either through primary care, an Ochsner Urgent Care or their closest pharmacy.

90,000 ARVI and flu symptoms

Like any contagious disease, flu is characterized by certain symptoms. Each person in his life repeatedly encounters this infection. Therefore, it is necessary to know how the flu proceeds.

A timely visit to a doctor allows you to start therapy with modern antiviral drugs (such as ARBIDOL®) at the right time and reduce the risk of complications.The manifestations of influenza are in many ways similar to the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections, although they have their own specifics.

The severity of symptoms depends on the type of virus, the severity of the course of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient: the state of his immune system, age, the presence or absence of chronic diseases.

The most “classic” symptoms of influenza in adults include the following:

General weakness

With a cold or flu, the so-called asthenic syndrome often occurs.It is caused by intoxication of the body and is accompanied by intolerance to light and strong odors, decreased performance, drowsiness and sleep disturbances, deterioration of mood, irritability. In some cases, there may be increased fatigue in combination with exhaustion of the nervous system. Such a state interferes not only with work, but also with the usual activities. When weakness occurs, many people think it is a common symptom of a cold in adults. However, asthenic syndrome can also appear with flu.

High body temperature

With colds and viral diseases, high temperature constantly accompanies the body. And its appearance should be correctly interpreted. An increase in temperature is a signal from the body that it not only reacts to the disease, but also tries to defeat pathogenic microorganisms. In milder forms of the disease, it usually remains within 37-38 degrees, in severe, when the intoxication is more severe, the temperature often reaches 40 degrees.The period of intoxication lasts no more than six days. If the temperature lasts longer, this usually indicates the presence of complications.

Headache

Another pronounced symptom of flu and colds in adults is headache in the forehead, eyebrows, in the supraorbital region, and sometimes behind the orbits of the eyes. In most cases, these sensations are moderately uncomfortable. Severe pain, especially in combination with sleep disturbances, hallucinations and vomiting, indicates a severe course of the disease.In such cases, seizures, fainting and loss of consciousness may also occur.

Changes in the condition of the mucous membrane

In the first days of the disease, redness of the soft palate is observed, and by the fourth day it is replaced by a pronounced vascular “mesh” and, in some cases, minor hemorrhages. In severe forms of influenza, the back of the throat becomes reddened, dryish and shiny, and the soft palate becomes bluish.Patients during this period complain of sore throat and dryness. Another pronounced symptom is changes in the nasopharyngeal mucosa: dryness, swelling, redness. Nasal discharge usually appears on the second day of illness, and the total duration of rhinitis in an adult is about 7 days.

Changes in the state of the respiratory system

Influenza and colds are often accompanied by chest pain, dry cough, hoarseness, and tracheitis.Changes in the lungs are not always observed and depend on the age of the patient and the presence of cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases. In some cases, wheezing and hard breathing are detected during listening.

90,000 Differences between coronavirus and influenza and SARS have been named

https://ria.ru/20200819/1575996270.html

Differences between coronavirus and influenza and SARS have been identified

Differences between coronavirus and influenza and SARS have been identified – RIA Novosti, 08/19/2020

The differences between coronavirus and influenza and SARS have been named

The main differences between coronavirus and seasonal SARS and influenza are the symptoms and time of illness, said Tatyana Romanenko, a therapist of the highest category… RIA Novosti, 19.08.2020

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spread of coronavirus

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covid-19 coronavirus

coronavirus in russia

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MOSCOW, August 19 – RIA Novosti. The main differences between coronavirus and seasonal acute respiratory viral infections and flu are the symptoms and time of illness, said the physician of the highest category Tatyana Romanenko in a comment to Ridus. She explained that in the early days the signs of SARS and COVID-19 can be similar – low temperature and a feeling of weakness “At the initial stage, a covid infection may have some resemblance to a banal viral infection, and then the differences begin. A common cold or ARVI is rich in catarrhal phenomena: the temperature may be low, but there is a runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches.” , – said the doctor.However, with COVID-19, a loss of taste and smell is most often observed soon. In addition, many patients complain of apathy, she said. A common SARS, she said, lasts from three to seven days, while with coronavirus infection, the disease can last up to three weeks. At the same time, coronavirus is somewhat easier to distinguish from influenza. … The doctor recalled that this disease is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the condition, high fever in the first days and severe pain in the head and muscles. Also, with the flu, the patient may not have a cough.With a severe form of COVID-19, a person often feels short of breath, shortness of breath appears and the temperature rises to 39 degrees. In this case, the doctor recommended urgent hospitalization. Romanenko noted that if you suspect even a common cold, you need to isolate yourself at home, call a doctor and find out your exact diagnosis within two to three days. She also recalled that it is highly undesirable for those who are sick to self-medicate.

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society, flu, health – society, ARVI, Russia, coronavirus covid-19, coronavirus in Russia

MOSCOW, 19 Aug – RIA Novosti. The main differences between coronavirus and seasonal acute respiratory viral infections and flu are the symptoms and time of illness, said the highest category therapist Tatiana Romanenko in a comment to Ridus.

She explained that in the early days, the signs of SARS and COVID-19 may be similar – a low temperature and a feeling of weakness.

August 19, 2020, 15:12 Spread of coronavirus The mechanism of cell infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been revealed

“At the initial stage, a covid infection may have some resemblance to a banal viral infection, and then the differences begin. A common cold or ARVI is rich in catarrhal phenomena: temperature may be low, but at the same time there is a runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, “the doctor said.

However, with COVID-19, loss of taste and smell is most often observed soon. In addition, many patients complain of apathy, she said.

A common ARVI, according to her, lasts from three to seven days, while with a coronavirus infection, the disease can last up to three weeks.

At the same time, it is somewhat easier to distinguish coronavirus from influenza. The doctor recalled that this disease is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the condition, high fever in the first days and severe pain in the head and muscles.Also, with the flu, the patient may not have a cough.

19 August 2020, 14:38 Spread of coronavirus Myasnikov responded to reports of a new quarantine due to coronavirus

In severe COVID-19, people often feel short of breath, shortness of breath, and the temperature rises to 39 degrees. In this case, the doctor recommended urgent hospitalization.

Romanenko noted that if you suspect even a common cold, you need to isolate yourself at home, call a doctor and find out your exact diagnosis within two to three days.She also recalled that it is highly undesirable for those who are sick to self-medicate.

April 8, 2020, 17:08 The spread of the coronavirus The most popular myths about the new coronavirus

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View 90,000 What is the difference between influenza and SARS?

What is the difference between influenza and SARS?

Every adult is familiar with such names of diseases as ARI, ARVI. And this is not accidental, because, along with flu in the off-season, when people get sick more often due to unstable weather, these diagnoses are one of the most common.At the same time, not everyone knows how these diseases differ from each other.

So, acute respiratory viral infection (hereinafter ARVI) is a whole group of viral diseases for which the respiratory system is most commonly affected. SARS can provoke more than 200 types of other viruses identified to date. Among them: influenza viruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses and others.These viruses are ubiquitous. The infection is transmitted most often by airborne droplets (when coughing and sneezing) through direct contact with the carrier, which remains dangerous from the beginning of the incubation period until the end of the febrile period 90 140 90 166 90 167 90 141 In addition, you can get sick when you use common household items with an infected person ( dishes, household items). It should be noted that a person is extremely susceptible to any type of ARVI.

At the initial stage of acute respiratory diseases, the infection develops on the territory of the so-called “gateway to the disease”, i.e.e. in the larynx, nose or nasopharynx. There are symptoms of an incipient disease such as a runny nose, a feeling of perspiration and sore throat , , often a dry cough.

As the virus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, signs of infectious toxicosis appear – weakness, chills, pain in muscles and joints, severe headaches, fever. At the end of the disease, a wet cough and a severe runny nose may appear. The described symptoms are common to all types of ARVI.

Is it possible to distinguish influenza from other acute respiratory viral infections?

In everyday life, people far from medicine call any acute respiratory viral disease influenza.

It is probably not entirely correct to talk about the difference between influenza and ARVI. It is appropriate to compare influenza with other common viral infections.

Let’s make such a comparison.

First of all, it can be noted that the first in a family, in an organized group, from fall ill with influenza adults, who become a source of infection for children and the elderly.This is due to the peculiarities of the life of an adult, his contacts with patients in the service, transport, in public places. In addition, the assumption of influenza may arise in a specific period (season) when, according to epidemiological data, influenza is rampant. Such a season in our territory falls on the period from mid-December to February-March of the year.

Influenza has a short incubation period (the time from contact with the patient to the disease). It can be minimal and be only a few hours, but more often – about 3 days.The flu virus is characterized by a rapid jump in body temperature to 38.5-40 C. Along with an increase in temperature, other symptoms of general intoxication of the body appear.

The temperature in uncomplicated flu returns to normal after 3-5 days. In severe and complicated forms of influenza, all symptoms of the disease, including fever, can persist for a long period of time. It should be emphasized that influenza is characterized by various complications: otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis; development of myocarditis, meningitis, encephalitis is possible.

With parainfluenza , the incubation period, in contrast to influenza, is longer – from one to six days. The parainfluenza virus enters the body through the mucous membranes of the larynx and nasopharynx. When it enters the bloodstream, the virus causes symptoms of general intoxication (headache, weakness, pain in muscles and joints). At the onset of the disease, a dry cough appears, which eventually becomes moist, and phlegm is also released.

As you can see, parainfluenza and influenza virus have a lot in common.It is for this reason that parainfluenza gets its name. The main difference between the two viruses is that parainfluenza affects mainly the larynx, a picture of laryngitis, laryngotracheitis develops. In children with parainfluenza, it is possible to develop such a complication as croup. Another difference can be considered a low temperature with parainfluenza (relative to the influenza virus), which usually does not exceed 38 C.

The duration of the disease is on average up to 7 days.

Rhinoviruses – the next group of viruses that can infect the upper respiratory tract. This type of virus multiplies in the nasopharynx. The incubation period of the disease ranges from several hours to several days. Both adults and children can become infected. The main symptoms of the disease are a runny nose, dry cough.

It is noteworthy that in adults, the disease can proceed without fever, and in a child it can cause a fever. The duration of the disease with proper treatment is 5 to 9 days. A residual phenomenon such as a cough may not go away for up to two weeks.Children with delayed treatment may develop: otitis media, bronchitis or sinusitis.

Rhinovirus infection is most often observed in children attending kindergarten, especially during the first half of the child’s placement in kindergarten.

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a viral infection that affects the organs of the human respiratory system. As a rule, this disease is typical for the child’s body.It is worth noting that the virus is often found in newborns and children in the first month of life. There are signs of the disease such as general weakness, decreased appetite and lethargy, possibly with an increase in body temperature. However, severe cases of the disease – pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children are also possible.

The source of the disease is an infected person. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets. The incubation period can be from 3 to 8 days.

Adenoviruses – also belong to the causative agents of ARVI.Adenoviruses are transmitted by airborne droplets, as well as through household items, water or food of an infected person.

The virus enters the bloodstream through the digestive system, as well as the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. The disease is characterized by an acute onset. There is a sharp jump in body temperature, which sometimes reaches 39 C at once. This state can last up to seven days. Another similar sign with the flu is the presence of a severe cold.

Approximately on the fourth day of illness, such a characteristic symptom of it as adenoviral conjunctivitis may appear.The patient feels pain in the eyes, they can itch and hurt. If treated incorrectly, conjunctivitis can be complicated by purulent discharge. Adenoviruses provoke inflammation of the lymph nodes, and also have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by severe abdominal pain and often diarrhea (diarrhea).

Summing up the comparison of influenza and other most common acute respiratory viral infections, the distinctive characteristics of influenza should be emphasized once again:

1. Influenza usually begins suddenly, other acute respiratory viral infections have a rapid onset.
2. In influenza, symptoms of toxicosis are manifested by severe chills, intense headache and pain when moving the eyeballs, photophobia, body aches; with other acute respiratory viral infections, they are moderately expressed, more often characterized by increased fatigue.
3. Temperature with flu rises to 39-40 ⁰ and lasts 3-4 days; with ARVI – no higher than 38 90 260 0 90 261 and lasts from 5 to 7-10 days.
4. With ARVI, a runny nose, nasal congestion are observed from the first days of the disease, with influenza, it can appear as a complication not earlier than 2-3 days of the disease, sneezing is not typical of the flu.
5. Complications of ARVI are mainly characteristic of influenza.
6. Increased fatigue with ARVI accompanies a febrile period, with influenza it persists for 2-3 weeks and after illness.

However, the data shown is averaged information. Deviations from the general rule are quite common.

Therefore, the diagnosis should be clarified by laboratory examination of smears (scrapings) from the nasopharynx and nose of the sick person for antigens of viruses.

In any case, whatever the cause of this condition, only a doctor can determine what the problem is and how to cope with it so that you feel normal again.

If you feel that you are ill, do not go to work, school or on business. Consult a doctor so that a specialist can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Be healthy!

Infectious Disease Doctor,

Candidate of Medical Sciences S.S. Kontsevaya

Attention !!! Coronavirus! Flu!! ARVI !!!

Influenza, coronavirus infection and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)

Influenza, coronavirus infection and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are in first place in terms of the number of people who get sick annually

Despite constant efforts to combat the causative agents of influenza, coronavirus infection and other acute respiratory viral infections, they still have not been defeated.

Thousands of people die from complications of influenza every year.

This is due to the fact that viruses, primarily influenza viruses and coronaviruses, have the ability to change their structure and a mutated virus is capable of infecting a person again. So, a person who has had the flu has a good immune barrier, but nevertheless a new modified virus is able to easily penetrate through it, since the body has not yet developed immunity against this type of virus.

For whom is the most dangerous encounter with the virus?

Children and the elderly are especially hard to tolerate the infection; complications that can develop during the illness are very dangerous for these age groups.Children get sick more seriously due to the fact that their immune systems have not yet met this virus, and for the elderly, as well as for people with chronic diseases, the virus is dangerous due to a weakened immune system.

Risk groups

• Children

• 90,010 People over 60 years old

• People with chronic lung diseases (bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

• People with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system (congenital heart defects, coronary heart disease, heart failure)

• Pregnant women

• Medical professionals

• Public transport workers, catering establishments

How does the infection occur?

The infection is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through the smallest droplets of saliva or mucus that are released during sneezing, coughing, talking.Contact transmission is also possible.

Symptoms

Depending on the specific type of pathogen, symptoms can vary significantly, both in severity and in combination.

• Temperature rise

• Chills, general malaise, weakness headache, muscle pain

• Decreased appetite, possible nausea and vomiting

• Conjunctivitis (possibly)

• Diarrhea (possible)

On average, the illness lasts about 5 days.If the temperature lasts longer, complications may have arisen.

Complications

• Pneumonia

• Encephalitis, meningitis

• Complications of pregnancy, development of fetal pathology

• Exacerbation of chronic diseases

Treatment of the disease is carried out under the supervision of a physician, who, only after examining the patient, prescribes a treatment regimen and gives other recommendations. The sick person must comply with bed rest, eat well and drink more fluids.

Antibiotics

Taking antibiotics in the early days of illness is a big mistake. Antibiotics are not able to cope with the virus, in addition, they adversely affect the normal microflora. Antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor, only in case of complications caused by the addition of a bacterial infection. Taking antibacterial drugs as a preventive measure for the development of complications is dangerous and useless.

A sick person should stay at home and not pose a threat of infection to others.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated annually. The composition of the influenza vaccine changes annually. First of all, it is recommended to get vaccinated for those who are at risk. The optimal time for vaccination is October-November. Influenza vaccination is possible from 6 months of age onwards.

No vaccines have been developed against most pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections.

Checklist: Prevention of influenza and coronavirus infection

Influenza and coronavirus viruses cause respiratory diseases of varying severity in humans.Symptoms are similar to those of regular (seasonal) flu. The severity of the disease depends on a number of factors, including the general condition of the body and age.

Predisposed to the disease: the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases), and with weakened immunity.

RULE 1. WASH HANDS OFTEN WITH SOAP

Clean and disinfect surfaces using household detergents.

Hand hygiene is an important measure to prevent the spread of influenza and coronavirus infection. Washing with soap removes viruses. If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, use alcohol-based or disinfectant wipes.

Cleaning and regular disinfection of surfaces (tables, doorknobs, chairs, gadgets, etc.) removes viruses.

RULE 2. OBSERVE DISTANCE AND LABEL

Viruses are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by airborne droplets (when sneezing, coughing), therefore, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from patients.

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with your hands. The flu virus and coronavirus are spread by these routes.

Wear a mask or other available protective equipment to reduce the risk of illness.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues, which should be discarded after use.

Avoiding unnecessary travel and visits to crowded places can reduce the risk of illness.

RULE 3.LEAD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

A healthy lifestyle increases the body’s resistance to infection. Maintain a healthy schedule, including adequate sleep, eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and being physically active.

RULE 4. PROTECT RESPIRATORY ORGANS WITH A MEDICAL MASK

Among other means of prevention, wearing masks occupies a special place, thanks to which the spread of the virus is limited.

Medical Respiratory Masks Use:

– when visiting crowded places, traveling by public transport during a period of increasing incidence of acute respiratory viral infections;

– when caring for patients with acute respiratory viral infections;

– when communicating with persons with signs of an acute respiratory viral infection;

– with the risk of infection with other infections transmitted by airborne droplets.

HOW TO WEAR A MASK CORRECTLY?

Masks can be of different designs. They can be one-time use or they can be applied multiple times. There are masks that last 2, 4, 6 hours. The cost of these masks is different due to the different impregnation. But you can’t wear the same mask all the time, thus you can infect yourself twice. Which side to wear a medical mask inward is not a matter of principle.

To protect yourself from infection, it is extremely important to wear it correctly:

– the mask must be carefully fixed, tightly covering the mouth and nose, leaving no gaps;

– try not to touch the surfaces of the mask when removing it, if you touched it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol;

– a wet or damp mask should be changed to a new, dry one;

– do not reuse the disposable mask;

– A used disposable mask should be discarded immediately.

When caring for a sick person, after contact with a sick person has ended, the mask should be removed immediately. After removing the mask, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly.

The mask is appropriate if you are in a crowded area, on public transport, as well as when caring for the sick, but it is not advisable in the open air.

It is good to breathe fresh air while you are outdoors and you should not wear a mask.

At the same time, doctors remind that this single measure does not provide complete protection against the disease.In addition to wearing a mask, other preventive measures must be followed.

RULE 5. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF INFLUENZA, CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?

Stay home and see a doctor urgently.

Follow your doctor’s instructions, stay in bed and drink as much fluids as possible.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU / CORONAVIRUS INFECTION? High body temperature, chills, headache, weakness, nasal congestion, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, conjunctivitis.

In some cases, there may be symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS

Viral pneumonia is the leading complication. Deterioration in viral pneumonia is rapid, and many patients develop respiratory failure within 24 hours, requiring immediate respiratory support with mechanical ventilation.

Promptly initiated treatment helps to alleviate the severity of the disease.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE HAS A FLU /

CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN THE FAMILY?

Call a doctor.

Give the patient a separate room in the house. If this is not possible, maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from the patient.

Minimize contact between sick and loved ones, especially children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
Ventilate the area frequently.

Keep clean, wash and disinfect surfaces with household detergents as often as possible.

Wash your hands often with soap and water.

When caring for a sick person, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or other protective equipment (handkerchief, scarf, etc.).

Only one family member should take care of the sick.

Hygiene for influenza, coronavirus infection and other acute respiratory viral infections

What should you do during the period of active circulation of pathogens of influenza, coronavirus infection and other pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in order to prevent your own infection and protect those around you if you get sick?

The causative agents of all these diseases are highly contagious and are transmitted mainly by airborne droplets.

When sneezing and coughing in the air around a sick person, microdroplets of his saliva, sputum and respiratory secretions, which contain viruses, are spread. Larger droplets settle on surrounding objects and surfaces, small ones stay in the air for a long time and are transported to distances of up to several hundred meters, while viruses retain the ability to infect from several hours to several days. The main measures of hygienic prevention are aimed at preventing healthy people from coming into contact with particles of a sick person’s secretions containing viruses.

Compliance with the following hygiene rules will significantly reduce the risk of infection or further spread of influenza, coronavirus infection and other SARS.

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How not to get infected

• Wash hands after visiting any public places, transport, touching doorknobs, money, public office equipment in the workplace, before eating and preparing food. Pay special attention to thoroughly soaping (at least 20 seconds), and then completely drying your hands.

• After returning home from the street – wash your hands and face with soap, rinse your nose with isotonic salt solution.

• Touch the face, eyes – only with recently washed hands. If water and soap are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to clean your hands. Or use a disposable napkin, if necessary, touching the eyes or nose

• Wear a disposable medical mask in crowded places and transport.It is necessary to change the mask to a new one every 2-3 hours; the mask cannot be reused.

• Give preference to sleek hairstyles when you are in crowded places, loose hair, often in contact with your face, increases the risk of infection.

• Avoid close contact and stay in the same room with people who have visible signs of SARS (coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge).

• Do not touch doorknobs, handrails, other objects or surfaces in public spaces with bare hands.

• Limit welcome handshakes, kisses, and hugs.

• Ventilate the premises more often.

• Do not use shared towels.

How not to infect others

• Minimize

  contacts with healthy people (welcome handshakes, kisses).

• If you feel unwell, but have to communicate with other people or use public transport – use a disposable mask, be sure to change it to a new one every hour.

• When coughing or sneezing, be sure to cover your mouth, if possible, with a disposable handkerchief, if not, with your palms or elbows.

• Use only personal or disposable tableware.

• Isolate your personal hygiene items from household members: toothbrush, washcloth, towels.

• Carry out wet cleaning of the house every day, including the processing of door handles, switches, office equipment control panels.

Dezdrav told how to distinguish influenza from SARS

Autumn is the traditional time for the seasonal surge of acute respiratory viral diseases (ARVI) and influenza. Andrei Tyazhelnikov, chief specialist in primary health care for the adult population of the DZM, named the distinguishing features of these diseases.

Some people are confused about the definitions of influenza and SARS, but this is not entirely true. ARVI is the general name for any respiratory viral infection, and influenza is only one of these representatives.

Influenza and ARVI are the most common infectious diseases in the world. But if most ARVIs are relatively easy, then the flu can lead to extremely dangerous complications.

“The onset of flu disease begins abruptly, quickly, within a few hours after infection. A person develops severe weakness, chills, fever. In just one hour, the fever can rise to 40 ° C. “, – said Andrey Tyazhelnikov.

The temperature with flu lasts for several days, it is difficult to get off.The sick person has body aches, headaches. On the second day, a dry cough appears, which turns into a wet cough with sputum production.

With ARVI, the body temperature usually does not rise to 39 ° C and lasts a couple of days, then gradually normalizes. General weakness is observed, but not accompanied by severe pain in the muscles and joints, as with the flu.

“Another difference is the duration of the course of the disease. ARVI does not last more than a week, after recovery a person feels well, then the flu goes away in 7-10 days and ailments remain up to three weeks after recovery, ”the specialist added.

Scientists have long proven that the most effective way to protect yourself from influenza is timely vaccination. The protective effect occurs 2 weeks after vaccination, and the resulting immunity lasts for a year.

Mass vaccination against influenza has been carried out in Moscow for several years already. You can get a free vaccination both in all clinics and at mobile points near metro stations, the Moscow Central Circle, the Kryukovo railway station, in some pavilions “Healthy Moscow”, in two flagship centers of public services “My Documents”.

All adult citizens of Russia can get vaccinated in mobile stations. You only need to take your passport with you. Before vaccination, everyone must be examined by a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist. After vaccination, a certificate is issued. The whole procedure takes 10-15 minutes. Children under 18 can be vaccinated only in children’s clinics, kindergartens and schools.

90,000 How much more dangerous COVID-19 can be than flu. Facts and figures :: Society :: RBK

How many people have died from influenza and COVID-19 pandemics

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Read on RBK Pro

If we analyze the data on the number of deaths from pandemics over the past 100 years, calculating how many people died on average per month with each of them, the most deadly will be the Spanish flu, the so-called Spanish flu, which began in the spring of 1918 and lasted two years.According to various estimates, from 17.4 million to 100 million people died from it, that is, up to 6.3 million people died every month. The scale of the disaster complicated the post-war years and the lower level of medicine.

The next influenza pandemics in terms of the number of victims turned out to be much smaller in scale, and to one degree or another they can be correlated with each other.The latest before COVID-19 was the swine flu pandemic. The influenza A (h2N1) virus was first detected in April 2009 in Mexico, and within a few weeks it spread throughout the world. According to official WHO data, the pandemic claimed the lives of 18.5 thousand people. However, then the data was recalculated and came to the conclusion that there are much more victims – from 152 thousand to 575 thousand

New restrictions due to COVID-19 around the world.The main thing

Thus, according to the maximum estimate, this virus, on average, claimed the lives of 70 thousand people per month. In August 2010, WHO announced the transition of the disease to the post-pandemic stage. Thus, the pandemic lasted 15 months.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for eight months (since the announcement by WHO), and no one can predict how long it will last. More people have died since then than during the 2009–2010 swine flu wave.

The most affected countries from COVID-19 in terms of the total number of deaths were the United States, Brazil and India. Italy, Spain and France – the European countries that were among the first to meet the pandemic, are also stable in the top ten.

The list of countries with the most deaths per 1 million people looks similar, but the countries in it are distributed differently.

Russia, which was in the list of the first 15 countries in terms of the total number of deaths, when calculating the number of victims of COVID-19 per 1 million people is in 54th place (32 thousand deaths). At the same time, apparently, WHO is guided by the data of the operational headquarters for the fight against coronavirus. At the same time, Rosstat shows much more deaths, based on death certificates from the registry office: according to the latest data presented, from April to September, more than 55 thousand died.Russians with COVID-19.

What are the six main restrictions introduced in the Russian regions. The main thing

Influenza and COVID-19 have different age risk groups.In the first case, according to WHO, the disease poses a danger to children, pregnant women and the elderly. As for the coronavirus, here the elderly are primarily at risk (and people of any age with chronic diseases, the same applies to influenza. – RBC ).

COVID Vaccine Creator Predicts Tough Winter and Return to Normal

In the article Age-specific mortality and immunity patterns of SARS-CoV-2, published in the journal Nature in November, the researchers collected confirmed data on the age distribution of deaths in 45 countries.RBC selected from this study 14 countries in Europe and Latin America with a total population of 627 million people and calculated the percentage of deaths in each age category (the sample is based on the comparability of the age ranges considered in the study for these countries). It turned out that COVID-19 is the most dangerous for the elderly over 70 years old. This segment accounts for almost two thirds of all deaths.

Children are the easiest to carry the disease.The 20-40 age group accounts for 2% of deaths. But people in these age groups who carry a mild infection can contribute to the spread of the disease.

Despite the fact that more age categories are attributed to risk groups for influenza, with COVID-19 there are more cases of the disease in a severe form, scientists say. This is because, in the case of influenza, exposure to past seasonal infections and mass vaccinations can limit the number of infections.But all people are potentially susceptible to the virus that causes COVID-19 due to its novelty.

When and for how long the patient is contagious

Another insidious feature of the coronavirus is the incubation period. The time from the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms with COVID-19 is on average five to six days, but it can go up to 14 days. With influenza, the incubation period lasts an average of two days, but it can be as long as four. That is, with COVID-19, a person can potentially not feel the illness longer.

The Ministry of Health explains the infection of doctors with COVID after being vaccinated with the Gamalea vaccine

Recent studies also indicate that carriers of COVID-19 remain infectious for longer.According to Rospotrebnadzor, with influenza, the patient becomes so one day before the onset of clinical manifestations of the disease. The maximum period when a patient is contagious is three days of illness.

According to the WHO, those infected with the new type of coronavirus are most infectious two days before the onset of symptoms and at an early stage of the disease. Those who develop severe disease may spread COVID-19 for longer.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that mild to moderate COVID-19 patients are contagious within ten days, and immunocompromised patients up to 20 days after symptom onset.

Containment measures and use of masks

To contain the spread of coronavirus, WHO recommends using a set of measures: in addition to wearing a mask, these include keeping distance, as well as frequent washing and disinfection of hands. The effectiveness of the widespread use of masks has not been proven, but experts point out the need for their use in crowded places, for example, in public transport and shops (such requirements have been introduced by Rospotrebnadzor throughout Russia since October 28).

Mishustin criticized the regions for untimely actions on COVID-19

Demonstrations have taken place in Europe against measures taken by states, including the requirement to use personal protective equipment.And in Russia, a petition appeared against the mandatory wearing of masks (by November 15, it was signed by a little more than 13 thousand people). The appeal, among other things, indicates the risks of self-infection due to improper or too long use of the mask (WHO also indicates that masks must be used carefully). And also that the mask can be useful precisely in terms of “reducing the potential risk of infection in contact with a sick person during the period of the disease preceding the onset of symptoms.” This is what the WHO draws attention to in its recommendations: “The mask can play the role of a barrier that restrains the spread of virus-infected respiratory droplets of an infected person.”

According to Rospotrebnadzor, wearing masks reduces the likelihood of contracting various kinds of respiratory infections by 1.8 times, the use of gloves by 1.3 times.

In one of the latest studies, Japanese scientists came to the conclusion that a cloth mask retains 17% of virus particles, a three-layer surgical mask – 47%, and a mask like N95 protects by 79%.

90,000 Science: Science and Technology: Lenta.Common crawl en

The “Delta” variant of the coronavirus has symptoms that differ from other variants of SARS-CoV-2. Whereas cough, fever, shortness of breath, and loss of smell or taste were previously the hallmarks of the disease, runny nose, sore throat and headache are now more common. Writes about this The Telegraph.

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The most typical symptom of COVID-19 in Britain, where the “delta” variant has supplanted all other variants of the coronavirus, has become a headache, which is observed in two-thirds of people under the age of 40 (as well as more than half over 40) infected with SARS-CoV-2.The next most common are the classic cold symptoms: runny nose and sore throat. Half of those under 40 and a third of older people reported both signs of the disease.

According to doctors, headaches with COVID-19 have characteristics that distinguish an infection from a common cold. Pain is moderate to severe, lasts 3-5 days on average, and pain relievers do not make you feel better. Patients describe pain on both sides of the head and feel like pressure, throbbing, or sharp pain.In this case, the symptom may appear first and last for a long time in people with a long course of COVID-19. About 15 percent of those who get sick have no other symptoms.

With regard to the common cold, when the prevalence of coronavirus in the population was low, it was considered an unusual symptom and was more likely to be caused by a cold or allergy. Now, a runny nose due to COVID-19 is more likely than for other reasons. Therefore, for any signs of SARS, experts advise staying at home and, if possible, do a coronavirus test.

The Indian strain SARS-CoV-2 appears to primarily affect young adults who have not yet been fully vaccinated. They have milder symptoms, making it difficult to tell the difference between the common cold and COVID-19.

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