MyMediktor - Influenza

Very low urgency

Very common-

An epidemic infectious disease caused by influenza A and B viruses.

It is transmitted by virus-laden droplets of saliva and bronchial secretions released as an aerosol when coughing and sneezing.

It presents abruptly with coughing, sneezing, sore throat, weakness, muscle aches, arthralgia, headache, abdominal pain, malaise and fever.

Diagnosis is clinical and treatment is symptomatic.

Antibiotics are not effective because it is a virus.

In healthy populations it is a self-limited disease for which there is no need for consultation, but in people at risk it can be complicated and therefore it is advisable to have a vaccination every winter season.

Bibliographic references

Brankston G, Gitterman L, Hirji Z, et al. Transmission of influenza A in human beings. Lancet Infect Dis 2007; 7:257.
Noti JD, Lindsley WG, Blachere FM, et al. Detection of infectious influenza virus in cough aerosols generated in a simulated patient examination room. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54:1569.
Raphael Dolin. Clinical manifestations of seasonal influenza in adults. UpToDate. Nov 26, 2015.
Yehuda Z. Cohen, Raphael Dolin. Gripe (influenza). Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1209:1214.
J. García San Miguel, J. Vidal. Gripe. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2435:2438.

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Symptoms

Shivers

Widespread muscle pain

Sore throat

Cough

Feeling generally unwell

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever not relieved by antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)

Worsening of cough

Pain in the chest when breathing

History of a severe lung disease such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Difficulty breathing

A feeling of shortness of breath

Aged 65 years or older

Having any comorbidity such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, brain disease, liver disease.

History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.

Maintain hydration of half a gallon per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.

Use over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics for muscle pain or fever (temperature > 100.4 F).

Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.

Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

For nasal congestion and runny nose, use nasal inhalers containing antihistamines and/or decongestants.