Influenza is often confused with other illnesses. It is important to correctly identify
the condition before treatment is begun. The information provided here will help you
determine if what you have is really influenza ("flu"). However, only a
physician or other qualified health professional can diagnose illnesses.
Influenza is different from a cold. The table below will help you distinguish between
the flu and a cold.
Symptom
Influenza
Cold
Onset of symptoms
Sudden
Gradual
Fever
High, often with chills
None or mild
Headache
Severe
None or mild
Muscle and body aches
Severe
None or mild
Fatigue, weakness
Severe
None or mild
Nasal congestion, sneezing
None
Present
Cough
Severe dry cough
None or mild
Sore throat
Possible
Present
Duration
4-7 days; fatigue and weakness
can last 2-3 weeks
2-4 days; congestion can last
5-7 days
Possible complications
Bronchitis, pneumonia,
sometimes death
Sinus infection; earache
Note that the flu does not cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. What
people sometimes call the "stomach flu" is not really flu at all. It is most
likely due to food poisoning, or a bacteria or non-influenza virus inside the
gastrointestinal tract.
Also note that the severity of an individual case of influenza can range from very mild
to very severe, including complications.
What can I do for the flu?
If you develop the flu:
stay in bed
minimize contact with others (to keep from spreading the flu)
get as much rest as possible
You can be contagious for 3 – 7 days after you start feeling
sick, so take time off from work or other social activities while recovering. Drink plenty
of clear liquids and use over-the-counter pain medicines (e.g. acetaminophen, aspirin, or
ibuprofen) for fever and body aches. However, do NOT give aspirin to children or teenagers
with a fever, because aspirin can cause a rare, but sometimes fatal, illness called Reye
Syndrome during recovery from viral infections.
When should I contact the doctor?
As soon as you think you have the flu, contact your doctor. Older adults, and persons
with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to complications from influenza. There
are four prescription medications available that can decrease the severity and duration of
an influenza illness, but only if started within 24 – 48 hours of onset of the
illness. Two of the medications, amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), are
older medicines that are effective only against influenza A virus. The two newer
medicines, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are effective against both
influenza A and influenza B viruses, and tend to have fewer side effects than the older
medicines.
When you contact your doctor, he will decide whether one of these
medicines would be appropriate in your case, and choose the medicine that would be best
for you.
Also, seek medical attention promptly in the following situations:
your fever or cough worsens
you are coughing up blood or thick, foul-smelling mucus
you have chest pain or shortness of breath
you develop an earache.
Prevention
The best strategy for dealing with influenza is to prevent it in the first place. The
influenza immunization is the best prevention for the flu. The flu shot should be obtained
each year in mid-October, or when your physician advises. Influenza immunizations are
recommended for all adults age 50 and over, as well as persons with chronic diseases.
tomryan
Are you sure you have the flu?
Influenza is often confused with other illnesses. It is important to correctly identify the condition before treatment is begun. The information provided here will help you determine if what you have is really influenza ("flu"). However, only a physician or other qualified health professional can diagnose illnesses.
Influenza is different from a cold. The table below will help you distinguish between the flu and a cold.