Influenza (Seasonal Flu)

Description

Common viral respiratory infection, and is contagious with an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours after exposure. There are three main types of influenza (A, B, C). Only type A can change its structure from year to year giving it the ability to produce widespread outbreaks. Immunity only lasts for one year requiring yearly immunization shots. The disease is usually self limited (resolves without treatment), but can be fatal in the very young, very old, or if there is a coexisting depression of the immune system. It is difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu based on symptoms alone. Special tests must be done within the first few days of illness to tell if you have the flu. In general the flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms such as fever (usually over 101F) and body aches are more severe with the flu. For more information: http://www.flu.gov

Symptoms

Fever, headache, tiredness (fatigue), chills, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy and congested nose, muscle aches and stiffness. The fever in influenza tends to be higher (> 101 F or 38.3 C) than in other viral illnesses such as the common cold (URI). The muscle aches and fatigue tend to be more severe as well.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A nasopharyngeal swab to detect the viral antigen will be done. A chest X-ray may be done to rule out pneumonia.

Treatment

Rest and medications to reverse the fever such as acetaminophen(Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are given to reduce the symptoms. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. Antiviral medications can be given but should be started within 40 hours of symptoms. Each year the effectiveness of these drugs changes and selection is based on the type of influenza and the resistance of the virus. The two antivirals recommended by the CDC are oseltamivir (Tamiflu)and zanamivir (Relenza). These medications can also be given to prevent the disease after an exposure (prophylaxis). Yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against the flu viruses. Most urgent care centers, retail clinics and pharmacies can administer a flu shot. Use our provider search function to find the closet available location near you.

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