Flu and shortness of breath: what to know

Influenza can inflame the airways and increase mucus. Breathlessness may also reflect pneumonia, an asthma flare, acute bronchitis, or worsening COPD. Other possibilities include anaemia, angina, or an irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. The symptom’s onset, severity, triggers, chest symptoms, and past history help guide assessment.

A clinician may listen to your chest, check oxygen levels and heart rate, and decide whether testing or imaging is needed. Do not assume that breathlessness is simply part of flu, especially if it is new or progressing.

Stop exertion, sit upright, loosen tight clothing, and keep your phone nearby. If you have a prescribed reliever inhaler, use it exactly as directed in your action plan. Avoid smoking and do not borrow another person’s inhaler or antibiotics.

Contact a clinician promptly, particularly if you have asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, heart disease, anaemia, pregnancy, or reduced immunity. Describe whether you can speak in full sentences, walk across a room, and keep fluids down.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, crushing or spreading chest pain, fainting, new confusion, or a sudden breathing problem after food, medicine, or an insect sting. A severe allergic reaction, known as [Anaphylaxis](/conditions/anaphylaxis/), needs immediate treatment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit flu alone or suggest [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/), [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/), [COPD](/conditions/copd/), or a heart-related cause. Tell the clinician about inhalers, chest pain, palpitations, wheezing, leg swelling, and the exact time breathlessness began.