How common is cough in influenza?

Influenza can inflame the airways and cause a dry, persistent cough. It commonly appears with a sudden feverish illness, chills, muscle aches, headache, marked tiredness, or sore throat. Cough may outlast the worst part of the illness because airway irritation can take time to settle. Symptoms overlap with other respiratory infections, so cough cannot confirm influenza on its own.

Rest, drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale, and use simple comfort measures recommended by a pharmacist or clinician. Stay home when feverish or feeling unwell and improve ventilation around others. People at higher risk of complications may benefit from early medical advice, especially soon after symptoms begin, because some treatments are time-sensitive.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, severe weakness, fainting, new confusion, or blue lips. Seek medical advice if fever or cough improves and then returns strongly, you cannot drink enough, or an existing lung, heart, or immune condition becomes harder to manage. Children, older adults, and pregnant people should receive individual advice when symptoms are significant.

Ask whether testing is useful, whether antiviral treatment should be considered, and which fever or cough remedies fit your health conditions. Also ask when you can safely return to work, school, exercise, or close contact with vulnerable people.