Influenza: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
الإنفلونزا
Influenza is an acute, highly contagious viral respiratory infection whose symptoms are more severe than a cold and include fever, body aches, and exhaustion. It usually improves within a week with rest and fluids; annual vaccination is the most important way to prevent it, especially for at-risk groups.
What is Influenza?
Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses that change continually from one season to the next. It differs from the common cold in that it starts suddenly and its symptoms are more severe and exhausting, including fever, muscle aches, and headache.
Influenza spreads easily through respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing, increases in winter, and causes seasonal waves. Most healthy people recover within a week to ten days without complications, but it can be serious for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses, where it may lead to pneumonia or worsening of chronic conditions.
The most important prevention is the annual vaccine, since the vaccine's composition changes each year to match circulating strains. Added to it are simple, effective measures such as handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing, and avoiding contact when ill. Treatment is supportive in most cases, with antiviral medicines available that help if started early, especially for at-risk groups.
Symptoms
- Sudden fever and chills.
- Muscle and joint aches and headache.
- Severe fatigue and general weakness.
- Dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
- It may be accompanied by nausea and diarrhea, especially in children.
Causes
- Infection with influenza viruses type A or B.
- Spread through respiratory droplets and touching contaminated surfaces.
- Indoor gatherings during the winter season.
Diagnosis
- Usually a clinical diagnosis from the characteristic symptoms and their seasonal timing.
- A rapid antigen test or PCR when needed or in high-risk groups.
Treatment
Supportive care
- Rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
- Fever reducers and pain relievers as needed.
Antivirals
- A doctor may prescribe an antiviral that helps if started within the first 48 hours, especially for at-risk groups.
- Antibiotics do not work against the virus and are used only for a bacterial complication.
This content is educational and does not replace medical advice.
Complications
- Pneumonia.
- Worsening of asthma and chronic heart and lung diseases.
- Ear and sinus infections.
- Dehydration, especially in children and older adults.
Prevention
- Annual influenza vaccination.
- Frequent handwashing.
- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoiding close contact when ill and staying home.
When to see a doctor
Go to the emergency department for difficulty breathing, chest pain, bluish lips, severe dizziness, or dehydration, and for very high fever in infants. See a doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week. Book an appointment with an internist or pediatrician on ClinicsJo.