Influenza - symptoms, treatment and complications

What are the symptoms of flu?

The first flu symptoms appear unexpectedly. They are intense. A high fever starts suddenly and is one of the most characteristic early flu symptoms. Shivering may occur, especially in the early stages of the illness. A severe headache is throbbing. Patients with influenza often complain of muscle pain in the back, arms and legs and a significant feeling of weakness and fatigue, even with minimal activity. Sore throat is mild or intense at the beginning of the illness. In the initial phase of influenza, the cough is dry. Unusual flu symptoms may occur in children who complain of abdominal pain for no apparent reason. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which are characteristic of stomach influenza, can occur with seasonal influenza, especially in children.

The most common flu symptoms are:

• high fever
• chills,
• headache,
• muscular pains,
• weakness and fatigue,
• dry cough (in the initial phase of influenza the cough is dry but may become wet over time),
• mild to moderate sore throat,
• in addition, weakness makes it difficult to carry out daily activities.

Unusual flu symptoms also include:

• dizziness that makes it difficult to maintain balance,
• the illness can also affect sleep patterns, causing insomnia or excessive sleepiness,
• visual disturbances can also occur as a result of fever or complications from the flu,
• bluish skin or lips indicate breathing problems and may be a symptom of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia
• chest pain may be an unusual symptom of bronchitis or respiratory complications.

How to tell the difference between the flu and a cold?

• Influenza starts suddenly, whereas cold symptoms appear gradually.
• A high fever is more typical of the flu than of a cold.
• Severe muscle aches and a feeling of being wrecked are characteristic of the flu.
• In people with flu, exhaustion can be intense and last longer than with a cold.
• A runny nose and sneezing are more typical of a cold than the flu.
• Cough and shortness of breath are characteristic flu symptoms.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can occur with influenza, especially in children, more rarely with the common cold.
• Flu without fever? It happens. Although fever is a common symptom of flu, its absence does not exclude the disease. If you have symptoms suggestive of flu, even without a fever, consult your doctor urgently, especially if you are in a high-risk group - symptoms include the following:
• chills
• muscle and joint pains,
• malaise
• weakness or sore throat. 

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Influenza - when to make an appointment with your doctor?

Rest is crucial. It allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the infection. To recover faster:

• drink plenty of water, teas, broths to rehydrate your body and help remove toxins,
• paracetamol or ibuprofen will relieve pain, reduce fever,
• available antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir or zanamivir shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the severity of symptoms if given early in the illness. They are prescribed by a doctor for people in high-risk groups,
• if you have the flu, avoid alcohol and tobacco. Drugs weaken the immune system and make symptoms worse,
• good nutrition, supplements, vitamin C or zinc, and sleep support the body in the fight against flu.

Influenza is a disease caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not effective in treating it. They may be prescribed by your doctor if you develop bacterial complications such as pneumonia. If you have the flu, avoid contact with other people so you don't infect others. Washing your hands regularly, using disposable wipes and avoiding touching your face will prevent the spread of the disease. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, very high fever, or neurological symptoms (e.g. sudden weakness, balance problems, dizziness), consult your doctor immediately. 

When to make an appointment with your doctor? When you experience:

• intense headache
• chest pain,
• severe fever lasting several days,
• you have difficulty breathing (you notice shortness of breath, a feeling of breathlessness)
• if you have a neurological disorder such as sudden dizziness, convulsions, speech problems,
• when you experience violent diarrhoea or vomiting leading to dehydration,
• in infants and children, symptoms such as lack of crying, weakness, lack of appetite, unremitting fever or persistent vomiting are reasons to see a doctor immediately,
• if you feel better and then the symptoms return with renewed vigour, especially the fever and cough, as this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection,
• if flu symptoms do not go away or get worse after 7-10 days,
• seniors, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and patients with weakened immune systems should consult a doctor at the first signs of flu, as they are at risk of complications. 

How long does the flu last?

Influenza usually lasts from a few to seven days, although some symptoms of the disease can last longer. During the development of the disease, there is a sudden onset of symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. The high fever may last 3-4 days. The initial period of fever is followed by upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat and runny nose. The cough may persist even after the other symptoms have subsided, sometimes for several weeks. Most people begin to feel better after about seven days, although feelings of fatigue and weakness will persist for a longer period of time.

What complications may occur after influenza? 

Pneumonia is the most serious complication of influenza. Influenza can lead to viral pneumonia, but it can also lead to secondary bacterial infections, which can lead to bacterial pneumonia. This disease can also cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Possible complications also include inflammation of the heart muscle, resulting in chest pain and heart rhythm disturbances. Rarely, influenza can lead to meningitis, which can manifest as headaches, neck stiffness and photophobia.

What are the particularly severe complications following influenza?

• Inflammation of the brain, which can result in neurological disorders.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare complication following a flu infection that manifests as muscle weakness and paralysis.
• In people with chronic diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, influenza can cause exacerbation of symptoms.
• In particularly severe cases, influenza can even lead to death, especially in people in high-risk groups with co-morbidities.
• Pregnant people are at risk of premature birth or miscarriage. 

If you suspect flu, do not neglect the symptoms, as this particular illness can result in very serious complications. Stay at home and consult your doctor online for symptoms of infection. If you have symptoms of this seasonal infection, consult a doctor as soon as possible for your health. At Med24 you have access to medical care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can have a consultation in 15 minutes, without leaving your home.

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Bibliography:

1.   Grypa. Praktyczne kompendium, Red naukowa Adam Antczak (2021), Wyd. Medical Tribune
2.   Leczenie chorób infekcyjnych Katarzyna Dzierżanowska-Fangrat  (2021), Wyd. PZWL
3.   Algorytmy diagnostyczne i lecznicze w praktyce SOR, Leszek Brongel (2020),Wyd. PZWL