What should you know about new influenza virus?

Influenza spreads through respiratory particles and close contact. People commonly experience fever or chills, cough, headache, fatigue, and feeling generally unwell; symptoms can begin abruptly. Influenza and other infections can look alike, so a symptom pattern alone cannot confirm the virus.

Influenza can sometimes affect the lungs and lead to pneumonia, particularly in people with chronic illness, older adults, young children, or weakened immunity. A clinician can advise whether testing or antiviral treatment is appropriate.

Rest, drink fluids, and use suitable fever or pain relief according to the label or a clinician's advice. Stay home while unwell, improve ventilation, wash hands, and cover coughs. Avoid sharing cups, towels, or close face-to-face contact with vulnerable people.

Contact a clinician early if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition, take immune-suppressing medicine, or become ill soon after close exposure. Do not use antibiotics unless prescribed; they do not treat influenza viruses.

Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, blue or grey lips, severe dehydration, fainting, or a fever or cough that improves and then becomes worse. Children who are unusually sleepy, struggling to breathe, or not drinking need prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit influenza, whether testing or antiviral treatment is useful, how long to avoid close contact, and which warning signs matter with your medical history.