On this page, you will find everything you need to know about influenza.
What Is Influenza?
It is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, which affects the throat, nose, and lungs, and spreads from person to person.
There are several types:
- Influenza virus A and influenza virus B infect humans and cause seasonal epidemics that typically appear every winter.
- Influenza virus C causes mild illness and appears throughout the year.
- Influenza virus D primarily affects cattle and has not been shown to infect humans.
What are the Symptoms of Influenza?
- High fever
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
What Causes Influenza?
Infection occurs when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing small droplets of saliva that are then inhaled by a healthy person. Influenza can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs and elevator buttons, or shaking hands without washing their hands first.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The doctor takes a medical history, conducts a physical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as laboratory tests. This may include taking a sample of mucus or saliva to check for COVID-19.
How is Influenza Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include:
- In most cases, influenza is treated by resting and drinking fluids. For more details, read the immunity-boosting guide.
- Taking fever-reducing medications if there is a high fever.
- Taking pain relievers if necessary to alleviate fatigue.
- In some cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics.
How Can Influenza Be Prevented??
- Get the seasonal influenza vaccine annually.
- Ensure good hygiene standards.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose of used tissues immediately and avoid reusing them.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others if you have a high fever.
What Are the Complications of Influenza?
Recovery from influenza usually takes a few days to less than two weeks, but some people may experience complications such as:
- Pneumonia
- Sinus and ear infections
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Myositis (muscle inflammation)
- Respiratory failure
- Kidney failure
- Sepsis or blood poisoning
- Worsening of some chronic diseases:
- Those with asthma may experience severe asthma attacks while infected with influenza
- People with chronic heart disease may experience worsening symptoms
When Should You See a Doctor?
- If you are unable to drink fluids
- If you are vomiting frequently
- If you suffer from a severe headache
- If you experience chest pain
- If you have difficulty breathing
- If you have a rash accompanied by a fever
- If you have a stiff neck
- If you are 65 years old or older
- If you are pregnant
- If you have flu symptoms along with a chronic disease such as diabetes, lung or kidney disease
- If you are undergoing chemotherapy
- If you have HIV
- If symptoms do not improve after a week
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get the flu vaccine?
Yes, an annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
