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| Influenza - sudden onset | A Cold |
| Moderate to severe illness lasting 7-10 days | Mild illness |
| Fever (usually high) | Mild fever |
| Shivering | A runny nose |
| Muscle aches | Muscle pain uncommon |
| Headache (may be severe) | Mild headaches (congested sinuses) |
| Dry cough may become moist | Sometimes a cough |
| Can suffer severe complications (pneumonia) | No vaccine available |
| Bed rest necessary | |
|
Vaccine available |
Influenza, commonly called "the flu", is a severe and sometimes life-threatening infection. Influenza may cause hospitalisation and prolonged illness, particularly in the elderly and those with a chronic condition.
Treating your influenza symptoms
In an uncomplicated attack of influenza, you can take the following steps to help you recover:
- Stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- Rest to let the body fight the virus, until your temperature is normal and you are feeling well.
- Drink plenty of extra fluids.
- Control fever, aches and pains with aspirin or paracetamol for adults, and paracetamol only for children under the age of 18 years (aspirin should be avoided in children under18 years).
- If you see your doctor or pharmacist within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, they can discuss antiviral medications which can shorten your illness.
- See your doctor if your symptoms get worse. These include: increasing breathing problems, coughing up yellow or green coloured phlegm, severe headaches or dehydration.
- Always ring your doctor or practice nurse if you are worried (or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116).
If you are 65 years and over OR if you have an ongoing medical condition, the complications from influenza can be much more severe. See your doctor.
Immunisation IS your best protection against influenza.