Influenza (Flu): Symptoms, Treatment, Vaccination and Recovery

What are the symptoms of influenza?

Flu commonly causes fever or chills, cough, muscle aches, headache and unusual tiredness. A sore throat or blocked or runny nose may occur. Some people, particularly older adults, may have influenza without a noticeable fever. Symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish every respiratory infection. [2]

This comparison is a guide, not a diagnostic test. New breathlessness, worsening chest symptoms or a deterioration after initial improvement should be assessed. [1], [3]

Who should seek advice early?

People aged 65 or over, pregnant women, people with weakened immunity, and those with chronic lung, heart, kidney or metabolic conditions have a higher risk of complications. Young children are also vulnerable and need age-appropriate care. [4]

If you have asthma or COPD, contact your clinician early when flu symptoms begin. Influenza can trigger a flare-up as well as infection-related complications. Follow your existing inhaler action plan and seek help if your reliever is not controlling symptoms. [5]

The main aim of early contact is to assess severity and decide whether treatment should start promptly. Do not wait for several days of fever if you are at higher risk. [6]

Do I need a flu test or chest X-ray?

Not everyone with a mild flu-like illness needs laboratory testing. Your clinician considers symptoms, examination, risk factors and which viruses are circulating. A respiratory swab, often tested by a molecular method such as PCR, can help confirm influenza when the result will influence treatment or infection precautions. [4]

Severe or worsening symptoms may require assessment for complications such as pneumonia. A chest X-ray answers a different question from a flu swab and is not a routine test for every uncomplicated illness. [1], [11]

When antiviral treatment is indicated for a higher-risk or seriously unwell patient, it should not be delayed simply while waiting for a test result. [6]

Flu treatment: what helps and what does not?

Supportive care at home

• Rest, sleep and drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Paracetamol may help fever or aches when suitable for you. Follow the label and check combination cold remedies so you do not accidentally take it twice.
• Ask a pharmacist or clinician before taking other painkillers if you have medical conditions, are pregnant or take regular medicines. [3]

Antiviral medicines

Prescription medicines such as oseltamivir act against influenza. Benefit is usually greatest when treatment begins within the first 48 hours. This is not a strict cutoff: later treatment can still be appropriate for severe illness or people at higher risk. Your clinician chooses the medicine and dose for your circumstances. [7]

Antibiotics and other medicines

Antibiotics do not treat influenza itself. They may be needed if a clinician identifies a bacterial complication. Do not start leftover antibiotics or a steroid course on your own; an asthma or COPD flare needs its own assessment and treatment plan. [3], [5]

Children and teenagers with suspected influenza should not be given aspirin or salicylate-containing products unless specifically directed by their treating specialist. [8]

How long does flu last?

Many people start to recover within about a week, although cough may last two weeks or longer. Recovery is not identical for everyone. A gradual improvement is more reassuring than a fixed day count. [4]

Arrange review if you remain markedly unwell, are not improving after about a week, or develop new symptoms. A cough that is worsening or accompanied by breathlessness, chest pain or coughing blood needs earlier assessment. Our persistent cough guide explains when ongoing cough deserves investigation. [3]

Avoid rushing back to strenuous activity while feverish or exhausted. Discuss return to work and exercise if illness has been severe or you have an underlying lung or heart condition. [8]

How long is flu contagious?

Some adults can spread influenza from roughly a day before symptoms begin until five to seven days after becoming ill. Infectiousness is often greatest early in the illness. Children and people with weakened immune systems may remain infectious longer. [2]

Stay home while unwell. As a general respiratory-infection precaution, resume normal activities when symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. Take extra precautions for the next five days, including a well-fitting mask around others, cleaner indoor air and avoiding close contact with vulnerable people. [9]

Flu without fever can still spread. CDC advises people with suspected or confirmed flu who never develop fever to stay home from work for at least five days after symptom onset. Follow any additional workplace, school or healthcare-setting advice. [8]

Influenza vaccination: who should consider it?

Annual vaccination helps reduce influenza illness and serious complications. Protection takes about two weeks to develop, and vaccination can still be useful during the flu season. The vaccine does not treat an infection you already have. [10]

Vaccination is especially important for older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and healthcare workers. Ask about a current-season vaccine suitable for your age, health and local availability. Previous severe vaccine reactions should be discussed before vaccination. [4], [12]

For people with asthma, vaccine type matters: an injectable vaccine is generally appropriate, while the live nasal-spray vaccine is generally unsuitable. Your clinician can advise. The clinic can discuss prevention during a consultation; confirm vaccine availability separately. [5]

When to arrange a consultation in Lahore

Australian Polyclinic in DHA Phase 5 provides adult respiratory assessment with Dr G Sarwar Chaudhry. A consultation can help when flu-like illness affects breathing, asthma or COPD control, or recovery. Family physician care is another option for general assessment and prevention advice.

Call ahead if you have fever and cough, wear a well-fitting mask when attending, and bring your medication list and any recent results. Severe illness requires hospital care.

Watch Dr Sarwar explain influenza

Watch the clinic's existing influenza explanation on YouTube. This supports patient education; use the current written guide and your clinician's advice for individual treatment decisions.