brand-logo

Flu

Very low urgency
Very common-

Epidemic infectious disease caused by influenza A and B viruses.

It is transmitted by small droplets of virus-laden saliva and bronchial secretions released into the air when coughing and sneezing.

It presents suddenly with coughing, sneezing, sore throat, weakness, muscle aches, joint pains, headache, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

Diagnosis is clinical and treatment is symptomatic.

Antibiotics are not effective as it is a virus.

It is a self-limiting disease and healthy people do not need to be seen. However, it can become complicated in people at risk and it is recommended that these people are vaccinated every winter.

Bibliographic references
  1. Brankston G, Gitterman L, Hirji Z, et al. Transmission of influenza A in human beings. Lancet Infect Dis 2007; 7:257.
  2. 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.
  3. Raphael Dolin. Clinical manifestations of seasonal influenza in adults. UpToDate. Nov 26, 2015.
  4. Yehuda Z. Cohen, Raphael Dolin. Gripe (influenza). Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1209:1214.
  5. J. García San Miguel, J. Vidal. Gripe. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2435:2438.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Shivers

    Widespread muscle aches

    Sore throat

    Cough

    Feeling generally unwell

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever that doesn't subside with antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
Cough worsening
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
Be 65 years old or more
Have some 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 2L per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.
Consume over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics in case of muscle pain or fever (Tº > 38ºC).
Maintain a balanced diet: increase fruit, vegetable, and white meat consumption and reduce the intake of fatty meals and fritters.
Do not take antibiotics without medical advice.
If nasal congestion and a runny nose is present, use nasal inhalers containing antihistamines and/or decongestants.
Mediktor logo