Influenza
Influenza, seasonal influenza, or "the flu" is an infection of the airways--the nose, throat, and lungs--caused by the influenza viruses. Everyone can be affected, but certain populations are more vulnerable to developing severe disease, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic or immunocompromising conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
Last Updated: April 25, 2026

There are three main types of influenza virus (types A, B and C) that affect humans, each of which has many different strains and cause varying severity of infections. The influenza virus is mainly transmitted through droplets: A person can become infected by inhaling very tiny droplets containing the virus when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or eats. These droplets can land in the nose or mouth, or on objects that are then touched by a person, who subsequently touches his eyes, nose, or mouth with that infected hand. People can already be infectious one day before their symptoms appear.

• Fever, or feeling feverish • Cough • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle and joint pain • Severe malaise (feeling unwell) • Headache • Chills • Vomiting and diarrhea in some

Most people will recover with only supportive management (e.g. bed rest, increased fluid intake, good nutritional diet). Patients admitted to hospitals may be given anti-viral medications like oseltamivir, so it is very important for people displaying flu-like symptoms to consult a doctor immediately or inform proper health authorities. Antivirals are most effective if given within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. Specifically for children under 16 years old with fever and muscle aches, aspirin should not be given, as this may lead to a reaction called Reye's Syndrome; instead, just give paracetamol.

• Have an annual vaccination for influenza; because the viruses mutate easily, the annual vaccines are also modified, so it is important to get them every year. • Frequent handwashing with soap and water. • Cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of the virus. • Early self-isolation when feeling unwell, feverish, and having other symptoms of influenza. • Avoid close contact with sick people. • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
Last Updated: April 25, 2026
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