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Virus Symptoms
Influenza, also known as the “flu,” can sometimes result in death and cause mild to severe disease. Symptoms of the flu typically appear suddenly. Patients with the flu often exhibit many symptoms:
- Fever*, chills, or feeling feverish
- Cough,
- Sore throat,
- Runny or stuffy nose,
- Aches in the body or the muscles,
- Headaches
- Weariness (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhoea are prevalent in some persons, but more so in children than in adults.
* It’s critical to remember that not all cases of the flu will result in a fever.
Effects of the Flu
While the majority of people who have the flu get better in a week or less, some develop serious complications (such as pneumonia) that can be fatal.
Sinus and ear infections are examples of moderate complications, while pneumonia is a severe complication that can result from an Influenza virus infection alone or a co-infection of the Influenza virus and bacteria. Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), the brain (encephalitis), or the muscles (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), as well as multi-organ failure, are additional potentially significant flu-related consequences (for example, respiratory and kidney failure). The body’s inflammatory response to a respiratory flu virus infection can develop into sepsis, a potentially fatal infection response. The flu can exacerbate existing medical conditions. People with asthma, for example, may have an asthma attack when they have the flu, and people with chronic heart disease may see their condition worsen.
Those Who Are More Prone to the Flu
The flu can strike even the healthiest of people, and it can affect people of any age group. However, some people are more likely to experience catastrophic flu-related complications if they become ill. This includes seniors (those 65 and over), adults of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma), pregnant women, children (those under the age of 5), and infants (those under the age of 2).
Emergency Flu Complications Warning Signs
People who notice these symptoms should seek medical attention right away.
In Children
- Rapid breathing or breathing issues
- Pale-colored lips or face
- With each breath, the ribs draw in.
- Chest pain
- Significant muscular ache (child refuses to walk)
- Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears)
- Not being attentive or engaging when awake
- Seizures
- High fever (104 °F)
- Infants younger than 12 weeks old who develop a fever
- Improved fever or cough that later returns or gets worse
- Chronic medical issues getting worse
In Adults
- Respiratory issues or lack of breath
- Persistent chest discomfort or abdominal pressure
- Constant lightheadedness, disorientation, and lack of arousal
- Seizures
- Not going potty
- Significant muscular ache
- Extreme shakiness or weakness
- Improved fever or cough that later returns or gets worse
- Chronic medical issues getting worse
These are not all-inclusive lists. Any other symptoms that are severe or worrisome should be discussed with your healthcare physician.
Differences between COVID-19 and Influenza
Both COVID-19 and influenza are contagious respiratory diseases, although they are brought on by distinct viruses. COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, whereas influenza is caused by an infection with an influenza virus. Because some of the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, you cannot distinguish between them solely by their symptoms. Some polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques can tell the difference between influenza and COVID-19 concurrently. Numerous testing facilities offer flu and COVID-19 tests individually if one of these tests is not accessible. If you experience symptoms, discuss getting tested for COVID-19 and Influenza with a healthcare professional.