Symptoms of influenza type A

Influenza type A is a respiratory infection that can affect the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms often develop quickly and may be more intense than those of a mild cold. Some people also have a sore throat, blocked nose, poor appetite, nausea or diarrhoea. Symptoms overlap with other infections, so the symptom pattern alone cannot identify the virus or rule out complications such as pneumonia.

Rest, drink fluids and use comfortable clothing and room temperature to manage fever. Stay home while you feel unwell and follow local advice about reducing spread. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about fever relief that suits your age, pregnancy status and other medicines. People at higher risk of complications may need early medical advice after symptoms begin.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue or grey lips, new confusion, collapse, inability to keep fluids down or marked dehydration. Contact a clinician promptly if fever or cough improves and then worsens, or if weakness is severe, because a secondary lung infection may need assessment.

Ask whether testing is useful, whether you have features that call for early antiviral advice, how to manage fever with your current medicines, and when it is safe to return to work, school or close contact.