Symptoms of influenza

The symptoms of influenza can be very different. In particular, the type and intensity of the symptom severity strongly depends on the age and immune status of the affected patient. In principle, weak courses with few symptoms, up to a strong impairment of the body are possible.

In rare cases, the effects of influenza can even lead to death. As a rule, children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients in particular show strongly pronounced symptoms after infection with the influenza virus. Nevertheless, influenza can also affect otherwise perfectly healthy people.

A further problem in differentiating between a real flu and other infectious diseases is the fact that most symptoms are relatively unspecific and could indicate a variety of underlying diseases. A characteristic feature of influenza, however, is the acute, sudden onset of the disease. Many of the patients affected report that they felt perfectly healthy in the morning and became increasingly ill during the day.

In addition, compared to other acute respiratory diseases, a true flu is characterized by the fact that the symptoms persist (persist) over a long period of time. In most cases, the symptoms do not subside completely until after 7 to 14 days. Some symptoms, such as a general feeling of weakness and loss of appetite, can persist even weeks after the outbreak of flu.

The most important symptoms of influenza include a pronounced feeling of illness, which in most cases is not locally restricted to one area of the body but affects the whole body. In addition, almost all those affected develop pronounced fever spikes. Body temperatures of up to 40°C are usually measured.

These fever spikes are usually accompanied by severe shivers. Furthermore, most patients complain of severe headaches and aching limbs, especially at the beginning of the flu. In general, patients suffering from flu feel exhausted, tired and weak.

During the acute phase of the illness, the normal daily routine can no longer be completed.In the area of the respiratory tract, the virus infection is manifested by the appearance of dry irritable cough (i.e. without sputum), a dry throat and swollen nasal mucous membranes. In addition, many of the affected patients report allergy-like swelling and irritation in the area of the eyes. Furthermore, it can occur in the course of a flu.

In general, these symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a simple cold. However, a closer look at the symptoms reveals a clear distinction between a simple cold and the real flu. For an easier distinction between a cold and flu outside of a flu epidemic, a so-called flu rapid test is suitable, which can detect the pathogens causing the flu after a few minutes.

Increased loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting and
Severe diarrhea