General Information About Influenza
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly known as the flu, it is a contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs, causing severe systemic symptoms.
A cold starts gradually and is mild. Influenza, on the other hand, begins suddenly (within hours) and causes severe muscle aches and high fever that can bedridden the patient.
It is transmitted by inhaling droplets spread into the air when infected individuals cough or sneeze, and by touching the face with hands that have contacted virus-contaminated surfaces.
Individuals over 65, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes can experience the disease much more severely (with a risk of pneumonia).
In addition to clinical suspicion, the type of the virus (A or B) is definitively identified using Rapid Antigen Tests or PCR applied to swabs taken from the nose or throat.
Antibiotics are not used. Antiviral drugs (such as Oseltamivir) started within the first 48 hours shorten the duration of the disease. The most effective way to prevent it is to get the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is updated annually.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
