Learn about the symptoms and complications of the flu

Influenza is a contagious viral illness of the respiratory system that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, causing symptoms similar to those of a cold.

These viruses can cause mild symptoms to more severe illness and, in some cases, can be fatal. The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year.

What are the most common symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms usually appear suddenly. People infected with the virus may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fever or chills.
• cough.
• sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Muscle or body pain.
• Headache.
• Fatigue (tiredness).
• Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults.

Let’s remember that all flu cases don’t have the same symptoms.

Most experts believe the main way the flu virus spreads is through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people, infecting them.

Although less common, it is also possible to catch the flu by touching a surface or object that is contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

There are similarities between the flu and colds, however, the flu can be identified by showing more severe symptoms, while the common cold is usually mild.

How do we differentiate between flu symptoms and COVID-19?

Distinguishing between the flu and COVID-19 is difficult because both can show very similar symptoms. However, there are some key differences that can help you identify them:

• gravity: COVID-19 often presents with more severe symptoms, such as respiratory complications and even pneumonia.
• Loss of smell, vomiting and diarrhea: These symptoms are more common with COVID-19. In influenza, they occur less frequently.
• spread: Research shows that COVID-19 is much more contagious than the flu, although the infection is the same. Additionally, asymptomatic coronavirus-positive people can still spread the virus.

It is recommended that specific testing be done with a health professional to confirm or identify the active virus in the body so that appropriate treatment can be instituted.

Flu complications

Sinus and ear infections are examples of moderate flu complications.

Pneumonia, on the other hand, is a serious complication of viruses and can be caused by a viral infection or a combination of bacterial and viral infections.

There are other possible complications, such as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle tissue (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), as well as multi-organ failure, including respiratory and renal failure.

Influenza respiratory infections can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to sepsis, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Additionally, it can worsen other chronic health problems. For example, people with asthma may experience an asthma attack when infected with the virus, and people with chronic heart disease may have their condition worsen.

Who is at higher risk of getting the flu?

A study published by the CID showed that children are at higher risk of contracting the flu, while people aged 65 or older are at the lowest risk.

Average incidence data by age group are: 9.3% for children aged 0 to 17 years, 8.8% for adults aged 18 to 64 years, and 3.9% for adults aged 65 and over.

This suggests that children under 18 are twice as likely to develop symptomatic influenza virus infection as adults aged 65 and over.

Precautions, such as annual vaccinations, good respiratory hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick people, must be taken to reduce the risk of contracting the flu.

latest news

---

Activity

---

policy

---

The country’s