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Are you sure you have the flu?
Influenza is often confused with other illnesses. It is important to correctly identify
the condition before treatment is begun. The information provided here will help you
determine if what you have is really influenza ("flu"). However, only a
physician or other qualified health professional can diagnose illnesses.
Influenza is different from a cold. The table below will help you distinguish between
the flu and a cold.
| Symptom |
Influenza |
Cold |
| Onset of symptoms |
Sudden |
Gradual |
| Fever |
High, often with chills |
None or mild |
| Headache |
Severe |
None or mild |
| Muscle and body aches |
Severe |
None or mild |
| Fatigue, weakness |
Severe |
None or mild |
| Nasal congestion, sneezing |
None |
Present |
| Cough |
Severe dry cough |
None or mild |
| Sore throat |
Possible |
Present |
| Duration |
4-7 days; fatigue and weakness
can last 2-3 weeks |
2-4 days; congestion can last
5-7 days |
| Possible complications |
Bronchitis, pneumonia,
sometimes death |
Sinus infection; earache |
Note that the flu does not cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. What
people sometimes call the "stomach flu" is not really flu at all. It is most
likely due to food poisoning, or a bacteria or non-influenza virus inside the
gastrointestinal tract.
Also note that the severity of an individual case of influenza can range from very mild
to very severe, including complications.
What can I do for the flu?
If you develop the flu:
- stay in bed
- minimize contact with others (to keep from spreading the flu)
- get as much rest as possible
You can be contagious for 3 – 7 days after you start feeling
sick, so take time off from work or other social activities while recovering. Drink plenty
of clear liquids and use over-the-counter pain medicines (e.g. acetaminophen, aspirin, or
ibuprofen) for fever and body aches. However, do NOT give aspirin to children or teenagers
with a fever, because aspirin can cause a rare, but sometimes fatal, illness called Reye
Syndrome during recovery from viral infections.
When should I contact the doctor?
As soon as you think you have the flu, contact your doctor. Older adults, and persons
with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to complications from influenza. There
are four prescription medications available that can decrease the severity and duration of
an influenza illness, but only if started within 24 – 48 hours of onset of the
illness. Two of the medications, amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), are
older medicines that are effective only against influenza A virus. The two newer
medicines, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are effective against both
influenza A and influenza B viruses, and tend to have fewer side effects than the older
medicines.
When you contact your doctor, he will decide whether one of these
medicines would be appropriate in your case, and choose the medicine that would be best
for you.
Also, seek medical attention promptly in the following situations:
- your fever or cough worsens
- you are coughing up blood or thick, foul-smelling mucus
- you have chest pain or shortness of breath
- you develop an earache.
Prevention
The best strategy for dealing with influenza is to prevent it in the first place. The
influenza immunization is the best prevention for the flu. The flu shot should be obtained
each year in mid-October, or when your physician advises. Influenza immunizations are
recommended for all adults age 50 and over, as well as persons with chronic diseases.
Additional information
Influenza Questions
and Answers
For more information about influenza, check the following web sites:
For free information about medications contact:
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