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Flu Symptoms & Treatment

Influenza, or the "flu," is a viral infection that can affect the lungs, bronchial tubes, nose and throat. Influenza A is typically prevalent between early spring and early winter, while influenza B is less seasonal, appearing throughout the year.

  1. Symptoms

    • Flu symptoms generally begin with a relatively short-term fever that can range from 102°F to 106°F. In some patients, the fever may last as long as five days. Symptoms accompanying the fever may include chills, aches, dizziness, lethargy, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
      Within the first three or four days of flu symptoms, respiratory symptoms become more severe. These may include a dry cough, as well as sneezing and a runny nose. The respiratory symptoms can last as long as seven days, with an intermittent return of the fever. Weakness and fatigue may continue days after the other symptoms have disappeared.

    Treatments

    • Treating the flu generally requires plenty of bed rest and an increased intake of fluids. Patients who are not at high risk should follow some general guidelines: take over-the-counter medicines that help ease symptoms; rest; avoid tobacco and alcohol and do not take antibiotics (unless prescribed for another illness). Children and teens should not take aspirin.
      Antiviral prescription medicines may be recommended to patients diagnosed when symptoms first appear, typically within the first two days. Medications like Tamiflu and Relenza may shorten symptoms by a day or two. Both are designed to treat both A and B, but they do have risks. Potential side effects include dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting. Their use may also contribute to the spread of viruses that are resistant to antiviral medications.

    Related Illnesses and Complications

    • In most cases, the flu is easily managed and treated, but some patients may develop pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections or sinus infections. In some cases, encephalitis may occur.
      A bacterial infection can manifest in the lungs and cause pneumococcal pneumonia, which can be deadly and is considered the most serious complication from influenza. Patients with chronic illnesses and patients who are older can be protected from pneumococcal pneumonia and the flu with a vaccination.

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