What should you know about influenza virus?

Influenza spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact. Most people develop a combination of fever or chills, cough, headache, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell; muscle aches and sore throat can also occur. Influenza is different from an ordinary cold because symptoms often begin abruptly and feel more intense. A person can pass the virus to others before feeling fully recovered.

Rest, drink regularly, and stay home while you have a fever or feel too unwell for normal activities. Improve ventilation, wash hands, cover coughs, and avoid close contact with people at higher risk of complications. A clinician may consider antiviral treatment when illness is severe, worsening, or affecting someone medically vulnerable. Antibiotics do not treat the influenza virus.

Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, blue or grey lips, severe dehydration, or a sudden deterioration after initial improvement. Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition, have reduced immunity, or are caring for a young child or older adult with significant symptoms. Influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia.

Ask whether testing or antiviral treatment is appropriate, how to manage fever and cough safely, and when you can return to work or school. Mention when symptoms began and whether you have had chills, cough, fatigue, headache, or fever.