infections
Influenza (Flu)
Symptoms of Influenza
Symptoms of influenza start 1 to 4 days after infection and can begin suddenly. Chills or a chilly sensation is often the first indication. Fever is common during the first few days, sometimes reaching 102 to 103° F (about 39° C). Many people feel so ill, weak, and tired that they remain in bed for days. They have aches and pains throughout the body, particularly in the back and legs. Headache is often severe, with aching around and behind the eyes. Bright light may make the headache worse. At first, respiratory symptoms may be relatively mild. They may include a scratchy sore throat, a burning sensation in the chest, a dry cough, and a runny nose. Later, the cough can become severe and bring up phlegm (sputum). The skin may be warm and flushed, especially on the face. The mouth and throat may redden, the eyes may water, and the whites of the eyes may become bloodshot. People, especially children, may have nausea and vomiting. A few people lose their sense of smell for a few days or weeks. Rarely, the loss is permanent. Most symptoms subside after 2 or 3 days. However, fever sometimes lasts up to 5 days. Cough, weakness, sweating, and fatigue may persist for several days or occasionally weeks. Mild airway irritation, which can result in a decrease in how long or hard a person can exercise, or slight wheezing may take 6 to 8 weeks to completely resolve. The most common complication of influenza is Overview of Pneumonia None In viral pneumonia, the influenza virus itself spreads into the lungs. Some people with viral pneumonia also become infected with bacteria and develop bacterial pneumonia; this can happen when bacteria (such as Pneumococcal Infections or People at high risk of complications and death from influenza include Children under age 5 years; children under age 2 years are at particularly high risk Adults over age 65 years People with chronic medical disorders (particularly those that affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, or immune system) or Diabetes Mellitus (DM) None People with extreme Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or more) Women in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy and up to 2 weeks after delivery People with disorders that increase their risk of choking on oral secretions, such as Overview of Stroke or other neurologic disorders that cause weakness, and 