Influenza (flu)

Symptoms
Written By Allison McLendon

Understanding Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It often develops suddenly and can cause fever, body aches, fatigue, cough, and other respiratory symptoms.

While many healthy individuals recover within a week, influenza can lead to serious complications in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

At Integral Health, we diagnose and treat influenza using evidence-based guidelines to help reduce symptom severity, shorten illness when appropriate, and identify patients who may be at risk for complications.

What Is Influenza?

Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, most commonly Influenza A and Influenza B, which circulate seasonally each year.

Unlike the common cold, influenza typically begins suddenly and often causes more severe symptoms.

Flu season in the United States generally occurs between October and May, with the highest number of cases typically seen during the winter months.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop 1 to 4 days after exposure and often begin abruptly.

Common symptoms include:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Body aches

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Dry cough

  • Sore throat

  • Runny or congested nose

  • Muscle aches

  • General weakness

Some individuals, particularly children, may also experience:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Not everyone with influenza develops a fever.

Flu vs. Common Cold

Although both illnesses affect the respiratory system, influenza is generally more severe than the common cold.

Common ColdInfluenzaSymptoms develop graduallySymptoms usually begin suddenlyMild body achesSignificant body achesMild fatigueOften severe fatigueFever uncommonFever commonUsually mild illnessCan lead to serious complications

Because influenza, COVID-19, and RSV share many similar symptoms, testing is often necessary to determine the exact cause.

How Does the Flu Spread?

Influenza spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets released when someone:

  • Coughs

  • Sneezes

  • Talks

You may also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

A person with influenza can spread the virus before symptoms begin and continue to be contagious for several days after becoming ill.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?

Although anyone can get influenza, certain individuals have a higher risk of complications, including:

  • Adults 65 years and older

  • Children younger than 5 years

  • Pregnant individuals

  • People with asthma or COPD

  • Individuals with heart disease

  • People with diabetes

  • Those with chronic kidney or liver disease

  • Individuals with weakened immune systems

  • Residents of long-term care facilities

  • People with obesity

If you fall into one of these groups, early evaluation is especially important.

How Is Influenza Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and may recommend testing.

Diagnostic testing may include:

  • Rapid influenza testing

  • Combination COVID-19/Influenza testing

  • RSV testing when appropriate

Early diagnosis can help determine whether antiviral medication may be beneficial.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your age, overall health, symptom severity, and how long you have been sick.

Antiviral Medications

Prescription antiviral medications may be recommended if:

  • Symptoms began within the previous 48 hours

  • You are at high risk for complications

  • Your illness is severe

  • You are hospitalized

When started early, antiviral medications may:

  • Shorten the duration of illness

  • Reduce symptom severity

  • Lower the risk of serious complications and hospitalization

Your provider will determine whether antiviral treatment is appropriate for you.

Supportive Care

Most otherwise healthy individuals recover with supportive care, including:

  • Plenty of rest

  • Adequate hydration

  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (when appropriate) for fever and body aches

  • Saline nasal spray

  • Humidified air

  • Warm fluids

  • Over-the-counter medications for cough or congestion when appropriate

Your provider can help you choose medications that are safe based on your age, medical conditions, and current prescriptions.

Possible Complications

Although most people recover without difficulty, influenza can occasionally lead to serious complications such as:

  • Pneumonia

  • Ear infections

  • Sinus infections

  • Dehydration

  • Worsening of asthma or COPD

  • Exacerbation of heart disease

  • Hospitalization

  • Respiratory failure in severe cases

Prompt medical evaluation can reduce the risk of these complications.

Preventing Influenza

The most effective way to reduce your risk of influenza is to receive the annual flu vaccine.

Additional prevention strategies include:

  • Wash your hands frequently.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes.

  • Avoid close contact with individuals who are ill.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Clean frequently touched surfaces.

  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

  • Consider wearing a mask if you are ill and must be around others.

Annual vaccination also helps reduce the severity of illness if infection does occur.

Caring for Yourself at Home

If you have influenza:

  • Get plenty of rest.

  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

  • Eat small, nutritious meals as tolerated.

  • Monitor your temperature.

  • Take medications exactly as directed.

  • Avoid strenuous activity until you have recovered.

  • Remain home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?

Schedule an appointment promptly if:

  • Your symptoms began within the past 48 hours and you may qualify for antiviral treatment.

  • You are pregnant.

  • You have asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic medical condition.

  • Your fever lasts longer than three days.

  • Symptoms are worsening rather than improving.

  • You remain ill for more than 7 to 10 days.

  • You develop worsening cough, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.

Early treatment is especially important for individuals at increased risk of complications.

Seek Emergency Medical Care Immediately If You Experience:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Chest pain or pressure

  • Confusion or difficulty staying awake

  • Persistent dizziness

  • Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down

  • Blue lips or fingertips

  • High fever that does not improve

  • Seizures

  • Symptoms that improve but then suddenly worsen again

These symptoms may indicate a serious complication requiring emergency evaluation.

Influenza Care at Integral Health

At Integral Health, we provide same-day evaluation and treatment for influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Our providers use evidence-based testing to distinguish influenza from COVID-19, RSV, and other viral infections, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Whether you need diagnostic testing, antiviral medication, supportive care, or evaluation for complications, our goal is to help you recover safely while minimizing the risk of serious illness and protecting the health of your family and community.

Allison McLendon https://www.MedAestheticsbyAM.com
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