Influenza (flu)

Reviewed by Dr Janice Main, senior lecturer and honorary consultant physician in infectious diseases and general medicine

What is influenza?

Influenza is a viral disease that usually strikes between October and May. It lasts from three to five days and can be followed by fatigue for two or three weeks. It usually causes aching muscles and joints, headaches , cough and fever with a temperature of between 38o and 40oC.

Although it can become a much more severe illness, leading to pneumonia, nerve and brain damage and even death, such complications are rare.

Because it is a viral infection it cannot be treated with antibiotics. The best remedy is rest while drinking plenty of fluids.

It is possible to get vaccinated against influenza, which is especially advisable for the elderly and people with heart and lung diseases. In the UK vaccination is offered to:

everyone over 65 years old

anyone with conditions such as asthma, heart or kidney disease

anyone who may otherwise be at increased risk.

What are the symptoms?

Headache.

Fever (38o to 40oC).

Aching muscles and joints.

Chest pains.

Lack of appetite.

Fatigue and weakness.

A runny nose and sore throat.

Dry cough.

Restless sleep.

Chills and shivering.

Indigestion.

Vomiting or diarrhoea.

What can I do?

Drink as much as possible - you lose a lot of liquids during a fever.

Rest, preferably by staying in bed.

Try to get plenty of sleep.

If you have a cough, an over-the-counter cough remedy may ease your symptoms. The pharmacist is the best person to advise on this.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Paracetamol (eg Panadol, Calpol) or aspirin (eg Aspro clear) will reduce fever and muscle aches. (Note that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.) Ibuprofen (eg Nurofen) will also relieve these symptoms. These painkillers are also found combined with medicines such as nasal decongestants in various over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Ask your pharmacist for advice about which are most suitable for relieving your symptoms.

Consult a doctor if the symptoms do not disappear after a week, or sooner if you feel worse.

How is influenza spread?

Influenza is a viral disease that is passed from one person to another through the air. The disease infects the nose, throat or lungs. It often breaks out as an epidemic which quickly spreads from town to town and country to country. Typically, an area can have epidemic conditions for a period of four to six weeks before it eases off.

Are there different types of influenza?

Yes, there are three types of influenza.

Type A The most serious type with the most acute symptoms. It is also the most common form, usually breaking out every two or three years.

Type B

Similar symptoms to type A, but not as serious. The outbreaks happen every four to five years.

Type C

The mildest type, with symptoms similar to a cold.

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