What should you know about bacterial influenza?

Influenza commonly causes fever, chills, cough, headache, fatigue, and feeling generally unwell. A person may later develop a separate bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, especially when symptoms worsen after initial improvement. Fever or cough alone does not prove bacteria are involved.

Rest, drink fluids, limit close contact while unwell, improve ventilation, and cover coughs. Antibiotics do not treat influenza viruses; a clinician considers them only when a bacterial complication is suspected. Seek advice early if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have a long-term condition.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt assessment if fever or cough worsens, returns after improvement, or is accompanied by increasing breathlessness, because pneumonia may need consideration.

Ask whether your symptoms fit influenza, whether you have signs of pneumonia, which symptom treatments are suitable, and whether an antiviral or antibiotic is appropriate.