RA
1
1
Moderate severity
· MD Medicine
Influenza
Seasonal flu · Influenza A and B
Sudden onset fever, body aches and cough caused by influenza virus. Annual vaccination is the best protection — especially for the elderly and very young.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Yearly outbreaks
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Self-limiting in most
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a verified MD Medicine doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Influenza A and B viruses
- Direct droplet spread
- Touch contaminated surfaces then face
- Crowded settings
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Sudden high fever
- Severe body aches
- Dry cough, sore throat
- Headache, fatigue
- Vomiting / diarrhea (kids)
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Rest, fluids, paracetamol
- Oseltamivir within 48 hours in high-risk
- Treat pneumonia complications
- Annual vaccination
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Annual flu vaccine
- Hand hygiene
- Cover coughs
- Stay home when ill
Do’s
- Get the annual vaccine
- Wash hands frequently
- Mask in healthcare during outbreaks
- Rest fully — don't 'push through'
Don’ts
- Take antibiotics for viral flu
- Travel to work with fever
- Skip vaccine in pregnancy
- Ignore breathlessness as 'just flu'
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.