Flu: symptoms and treatment methods

The first snow, short days, and warm evenings at home — all this is about the beginning of winter. But at the same time, our body becomes more vulnerable to seasonal viruses, and the flu remains one of the most common diseases. What you should know about this illness, how to prepare your immunity for the cold season, and how to treat the flu at home, the MEDplus editorial team asked Anastasia Lishnevska — an infectious disease specialist, immunologist, PhD.

Anastasia Lishnevska

infectious disease specialist

• immunologist
• Candidate of Medical Sciences
• founder of the "House of Immunity and Prevention of Infectious Diseases"

What is the flu, and why is it so dangerous?

Flu is an acute infectious disease caused by influenza viruses, mainly types A and B. These viruses are transmitted mainly by airborne droplets during coughing, sneezing, or even talking, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces.

The main danger of flu is its ability to cause serious complications, such as:

• Pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia often occurs a few days after the onset of the flu. Patients may experience a recurrence of fever and a productive cough with purulent sputum.
• Cardiac complications. For example, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, pericarditis.
• Central nervous system complications. For example, myositis with rhabdomyolysis or exacerbation of chronic illnesses.

Flu can also exacerbate existing conditions, including asthma, coronary heart disease, or heart failure.

How to distinguish the flu from a cold?

ARVI and influenza have similar symptoms, but different pathogens, while it is important to distinguish them because the approaches to treatment are different. Therefore, on the first day of the disease, it is advisable to take a rapid test for flu and COVID-19 (you can order rapid tests at the post office and pick them up while walking, avoiding contact with other people).

Symptoms of flu:

• The onset of the illness is sudden, and intoxication syndrome prevails: a high fever appears within a few hours (38–40 °C).
• Symptoms: severe headache, muscle pain, feeling of weakness, dry cough.
• Complications are common, especially in people with weakened immunity.

Symptoms of a cold:

• Onset is gradual: slight snoring in the throat, runny nose, temperature rarely exceeds 38 °C.
• Symptoms: severe runny nose, nasal congestion, mild weakness.
• Complications are less common.

Knowing these differences helps you consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Is there a specific season when the risk of getting the flu is particularly high?

Flu season usually occurs in the autumn and winter, with the peak from October to March. This is due to two factors: cold air outside reduces the protective function of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, making the body more vulnerable to viruses. At the same time, people spend more time indoors during this period, which contributes to the rapid spread of infection.

What are the diagnostic symptoms of influenza, and how quickly do they appear after getting infected?

Flu symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after infection.

Typical signs:

• High fever (38–40 °C), which appears suddenly.
• Severe weakness: even simple activities can be exhausting.
• Headache, sometimes localized in the eye area, pain when moving the eyes.
• Pain in muscles and joints.
• Dry, painful cough, which can last up to several weeks.
• Chills, sweating, sore throat.
• Vomiting and diarrhea may be observed less often.

Are there different strains of influenza, and what are the differences between them?

There are three main types of the flu virus: A, B, and C.

• Type A: the most changeable. Causes epidemics and pandemics. Type A strain can infect not only humans but also animals (pigs, birds).
• Type B: circulates only among humans, epidemics are smaller.
• Type C: causes mild forms of the disease, often asymptomatic.

Annual mutations of the virus are the reason for the regular vaccination urge.

Is the flu really only dangerous for older people and children, or is everyone at risk?

Influenza is dangerous for everyone, but especially for:

• Children under 5 years and people over 65 years.
• Pregnant women.
• People with medical conditions,

including:

• a weakened immune system due to illness (e.g., HIV, AIDS, cancer) or medication (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation therapy, chronic glucocorticoids);
• asthma;
• neurological and nervous problems (including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, intellectual disability, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injury);
• chronic lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis);
• heart disease (e.g., congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease);
• blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia);
• endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus);
• kidney disease;
• liver disorders;
• metabolic disorders (e.g., inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders);
• children under 19 years of age receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
• obese people.

However, even healthy people may have a hard time with the flu and develop complications.

How to treat the flu — what really helps and what is useless?

Effective ways to treat it:

• Rest, and plenty of fluids.
• Antiviral drugs.
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) — effective, it is better to start taking it in the first 48 hours.
• Symptomatic treatment: antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen).

What is useless or harmful:

• Antibiotics: do not work on the virus, and are used only for bacterial complications.
• Folk methods: hot baths, alcohol — dangerous and ineffective.

Vitamin C, honey, tea with lemon – do they really help with the flu?

Taking vitamin C does not accelerate recovery. Honey and lemon do not cure the flu, but according to some studies, they can somewhat alleviate the symptoms.

However, it can only be used as an adjunct to a balanced diet.

Should I take antiviral drugs or antibiotics? How to use them correctly?

Antiviral drugs are effective for the flu if they are started in the first two days. They reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.

Antibiotics are used only if bacterial complications are suspected: pneumonia, sinusitis, or otitis. But only a doctor can prescribe them!

How many days does the flu last and how to protect loved ones from infection?

A sick person begins to secrete the virus 1 day before the onset of symptoms, and even with a mild form of the flu, poses a danger to others throughout the entire period of symptom manifestation — seven days on average.

To protect loved ones:

• Prepare a separate room and dishes for the sick person.
• Ventilate the room often, and do wet cleaning.
• Follow hygiene: wash your hands, and wear masks.

Can the flu leave long-term health consequences?

Remember about possible complications of the flu. Even after recovery, it can leave long-term consequences:

• Chronic bronchitis, lung damage.
• Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Exacerbation of existing chronic diseases.

Recommendations for flu prevention during the epidemic season?

1. Vaccination: the most effective method of prevention.
2. Hygiene: wash your hands, and do not touch your face with dirty hands.
3. Avoid crowds: stay home if you are sick, and do not attend events with large crowds during the epidemic season.
4. Healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet, physical activity, and adequate sleep strengthen the immune system.

Be healthy and take care of yourself!

Read more about methods of prevention and treatment of colds in our next article!