Flu (influenza)
About Flu (influenza)
Influenza is a common viral respiratory infection, and is contagious with an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours after exposure. There are three main types of influenza (A, B, C). Type A is most able to change its structure from year to year, giving it the ability to produce widespread outbreaks. Because Type A so frequently changes its structure, a new type of vaccine is required each year to protect against the strains of the virus that are circulating that year. The disease is usually self-limited (resolves without treatment), but can be fatal in the very young, very old, or if there is a coexisting depression of the immune system. It sometimes can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu based on symptoms alone. In general the flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms such as fever (usually over 101F) and body aches are more severe with the flu. For more information: http://www.flu.govSymptoms
Fever, headache, tiredness (fatigue), chills, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy and congested nose, muscle aches and stiffness. The fever in influenza tends to be higher (> 101 F or 38.3 C) than in other viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) such as the common cold. The muscle aches and fatigue tend to be more severe as well.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A nasopharyngeal swab to detect the viral antigen may be done. A chest X-ray may be done to rule out pneumonia.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Rest and medications to reverse the fever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are given to reduce the symptoms. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. Antiviral medications can be given but should be started within 40 hours of the first symptoms. Each year the effectiveness of these drugs changes and selection is based on the type of influenza and the resistance of the virus. The two antivirals recommended by the CDC are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). These medications can also be given to prevent the disease after an exposure (prophylaxis). Yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against the flu viruses. Most urgent care centers, retail clinics and pharmacies can administer a flu shot. Use our provider search function to find the closet available location near you.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Flu (influenza).