Symptoms & Complications of Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects both mammals and birds. Influenza is very contagious and, depending on the strain, it can kill hundreds of thousands each year. Although there are vaccines for influenza, it does not protect people from all strains.

Common Symptoms

• The most common symptom of influenza is a fever ranging between 100 and 103 degrees F. This fever can last from a few days to a few weeks. Other symptoms include body aches, headache and fatigue.

Serious Symptoms

• If you have thick phlegm with a cough, pain in the abdomen or a very high fever, these serious symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor.

Stomach

• Vomiting and diarrhea are not typically symptoms of influenza in adults, though they may occur in children.

Most Common Complication

• The most common complication of influenza is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system or pneumonia.

Factors

• People with existing heart, lung and circulatory problems are at more of risk of death from influenza than a healthy person. Children under one year old are also at serious risk if they contract the flu.