Influenza symptoms and risks

The flu is common in during certain times of the year. This is called flu season. The North American flu season typically occurs from October to May. During this time, respiratory infection rates are high, and more people are at risk of catching and spreading these illnesses. Influenza is different from stomach flu, which commonly causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

The most common flu symptoms are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Chills and sweating
• Fatigue

It spreads through tiny droplets that come out of our mouths or noses when we speak, cough or sneeze. It may be possible to get the flu from touching a contaminated surface.

There are almost 3 million cases of flu each year in the United States, and thousands of flu-related deaths. Some factors may increase your risk for experiencing complications, including:

• Pregnancy
• Age
• Asthma
• Chronic lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart disease
• Obesity; a body mass index (BMI) over 40

Pneumonia symptoms and causes

There are more than 30 causes of pneumonia, which are grouped by type. The types are:

• Bacterial pneumonia. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of illness is more common if you have compromised immunity or poor nutrition or are of advanced age. While bacterial pneumonia can affect anyone, those at higher risk include people who abuse alcohol or smoke cigarettes, have a respiratory disease or viral infection, or have another illness. 
• Viral pneumonia. Various viruses can cause this type, including the influenza virus, and it is responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases. If you have viral pneumonia, you may be more likely to develop bacterial pneumonia. 
• Mycoplasma pneumonia. This type is caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium. It has somewhat different symptoms and physical signs. 
• Other pneumonias. Less common pneumonias have other causes such as certain fungi. Atypical pneumonia is a less-severe type of this illness and is sometimes referred to as walking pneumonia. 

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Cough, which may produce phlegm
• Fatigue
• Sweating or chills
• Chest pain when you breathe or cough
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Fever.

Can flu turn into pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a common complication of flu. The body’s immune system has been working to combat the flu, and that weakens its ability to fight off another illness. The highest-risk groups are children under 5, adults over age 65, pregnant people, and those with chronic medical conditions or an otherwise weakened immune system. Normally, flu symptoms can be treated at home, but you should be aware of worsening symptoms. 

You are also more likely to develop pneumonia after flu if you smoke, have asthma or diabetes, or have a BMI over 40.

Flu-related pneumonia

If your flu symptoms are not getting better, be cautious, especially if you have another chronic condition or have compromised immunity. Pneumonia symptoms may develop a few days after flu symptoms and may appear to mimic flu symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention for:

• A persistent, worsening cough with mucus
• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• A bluish tinge to the lips or fingertips
• A very high fever

Preventing the flu and pneumonia

There are vaccines for both the flu and pneumonia. It’s important to get a flu vaccine every year, as the virus changes and flu shots are reformulated for strains expected to be most prevalent. Talk to your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine to see if you should get one and how often. Other ways to prevent the flu, besides vaccines, include good hygiene — such as hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes. Also, boosting the immune system can reduce infection risk. This includes exercise, a healthy diet and good sleep.

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Most people recover on their own from influenza. Sometimes, the flu and its complications can be deadly. There is a flu vaccination, which can reduce your risk of getting the flu and the severity of flu symptoms. 

You are contagious for a period of time around your illness. Understanding when flu is contagious is important to stop the spread of seasonal flu. 

Understanding the flu virus

Flu is contagious via small droplets from your respiratory system that are expelled when you speak, cough or sneeze. These respiratory droplets can land in someone’s mouth, nose or eyes. In some cases, it spreads when someone touches an infected surface then touches their own nose or eyes. 

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever, although not everyone with flu has a fever
• Cough
• Chills and sweating
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

Symptoms come on suddenly with flu. Common cold symptoms build more gradually over time.

Contagious period with the flu

Flu takes one to four days to incubate in your system after you come into contact with the virus. You have the potential to spread flu before symptom appear. You are contagious for about three to seven days after symptoms appear. An infected person can spread flu even if they never develop symptoms severe enough to notice they are sick.

“Overall, you can be contagious or were contagious the day before you noticed any symptoms. You still can spread the flu for about a week after you started feeling sick or as long as you have symptoms,” said Rachel N. Alexander, APRN, nurse practitioner with Norton eCare. After symptoms decrease, the virus may continue to shed. Those with a weakened immune system may continue to shed flu virus for longer than an otherwise healthy person. 

The severity of your case of flu, your individual immune response and your flu vaccination status affect how long the flu is contagious. While the flu vaccination is not a guarantee you will not get the flu, it affects the severity of your symptoms and may help control overall flu spread.

Preventing flu spread

• Importance of staying home while contagious
• Proper hygiene practices (hand-washing, covering coughs, disinfecting surfaces)
• Use of masks in public or around vulnerable populations

If you develop symptoms of the flu, stay home and avoid contact with others. Wipe down surfaces in your home with antiviral wipes, wash your hands often and refrain from close contact with others in your home. If you are at higher risk for developing complications for the flu, seek immediate medical attention. 

Flu complications

Some people are at a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms of the flu. These groups include:

• Adults ages 65 and older
• Children under 5
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic health conditions
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with a body mass index of 40 or higher (Class III obesity)

If you develop these symptoms seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion or inability to wake up
• Seizures
• Not urinating (peeing)
• Severe muscle pain
• Fever or cough that improves then returns or worsens
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

When can I resume normal activity after the flu?

Most flu symptoms go away in four to seven days for otherwise healthy adults, but you still may be contagious. You may go back to light exercise when you feel like it, but listen to your body and rest when you need to. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away without the help of ibuprofen (Motril or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

A flu vaccination is the best way to prevent spreading seasonal flu. The vaccine has been shown to reduce illness, doctor’s visits, time off work or school due to flu, and lower the risk of serious complications. 

Besides vaccination, everyday steps you can take to prevent seasonal flu spread include:

• Avoid contact with sick people and stay away from others if you are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. If you cough or sneeze into your hand, wash your hands immediately.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If those are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose. 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be infected with flu virus.

There are many ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the flu. Getting a flu shot is the first step.

Read more on the flu

5 things to do if you have a fever

COVID-19 or flu? Each has some similar symptoms, but there are key differences

What’s the best time to get a flu shot?

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The American Cancer Society emphasizes that having cancer or undergoing cancer treatment can compromise your immune system, making it crucial to prioritize vaccination. By getting vaccinated against influenza or COVID-19, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of spreading the flu virus and coronavirus, so it is important for people who live with or care for you.

Flu season runs from September through March, and the vaccine takes about two weeks to build up an immune response in your system. Getting vaccinated early in the season is best, but even if you’ve put it off, influenza vaccination can help protect you late in the season.

The flu vaccine is 40% to 60% effective at preventing the need for medical treatment for flu. Because the flu virus varies every season, the vaccine is reformulated each year. Some years it works better than others. The COVID-19 vaccine reduces hospitalization of adults who become infected by 62%.  

“Even if you catch the flu or COVID-19, vaccination helps. The vaccines can reduce the severity of the illness and reduce the chances that you develop serious complications like pneumonia, sepsis or inflammation of the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, brain or muscle,” said John T. Hamm, M.D., a medical oncologist focusing on lung cancer with Norton Cancer Institute. “This is especially important if you are or have been a cancer patient.”

Dead versus live viruses

While the flu shot contains dead seasonal flu virus, the nasal spray vaccine contains weakened live virus. The live virus could be dangerous if you have a weakened immune system. Talk to your oncologist or other health care provider about which immunization is right for you.

If you have a blood cancer, like leukemia or lymphoma, you may have a weakened immune system. Some types of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or stem cell transplants can weaken your immune system.

Advance planning for your flu shot or treatment

When you get the flu shot, tell the medical provider about your cancer, your past and upcoming treatments before getting vaccinated. Also, let them know if you are allergic to eggs, which are often used in developing vaccines.

If you have cancer or are a cancer survivor, talk to your health care provider now about what to do if you get sick. Flu symptoms also can be a sign of a more serious infection, including COVID-19. Planning gives you guidelines about when to call your doctor or seek out treatment and how to get a prescription for flu antiviral medication if necessary. Talk to your medical provider about the RSV vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine as well.

Additional flu and COVID-19 prevention steps

• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Keep surfaces clean, especially those you touch often, such as counters, phones, and handles.
• Wear a mask in public if your doctor recommends it. 
• Stay away from people who are sick. If you feel sick, stay home. 
• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.

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Influenza A viruses are more common than influenza B among adults, and it is influenza A that causes seasonal flu epidemics most years in the United States.

Influenza B viruses also can cause seasonal epidemics, but influenza A viruses are the only ones that can cause a pandemic, which is a global spread of disease. That’s because Influenza A viruses can mutate — or change — more rapidly than influenza B viruses.

Both influenza A and influenza B are highly contagious, and their symptoms are similar: fever, headache, cough, sore throat, muscle ache, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea. Untreated, flu symptoms can last for weeks. 

The flu also can cause severe illness and make some chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes, worse. In some cases, the flu can lead to death.

Influenza A is generally considered worse than type B influenza among adults, though symptoms vary from person to person. Most adults have built up immunity against type B influenza. Because they are different, it’s possible to be infected with both flu A and flu B at the same time. 

Influenza B symptoms can be severe in children. Children under 5 are at higher risk of serious flu complications. Children under 2 are at the highest risk for serious complications. 

Flu viruses spread when a person who is infected sneezes or coughs and droplets travel to another person’s nose, mouth, or eyes.

Thorough and frequent hand-washing is one important way to protect yourself against infection. 

The best protection is a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine. All 2023-24 flu vaccines are quadrivalent, meaning they provide protection against four types of flu, two types of influenza A and two types of influenza B.

“The seasonal flu vaccine can help prevent you from getting sick and also can be effective at keeping you from developing severe symptoms,” said Mary Rademaker, M.D., medical director for Norton Immediate Care Centers. “This is especially important for those who have cancer, survived cancer or have another condition that has weakened your immune system.”

The seasonal flu vaccine allows your body to build up immunity against the flu without getting sick. The flu shot contains dead influenza virus, which activates your immune system to gear up against the real thing if you get an influenza virus infection. Dead flu virus won’t give you the flu, however some people feel sluggishness and other side effects as their immune system activates after the vaccine.

It’s important to get a flu shot every year because strains of the flu mutate over time. Getting a shot each year gives your body immunity to the latest strains of the influenza virus. 

The CDC picks which strains of type A flu and type B flu each year depending on which flu viruses are making people sick prior to the upcoming flu season, how quickly the virus is spreading, whether the previous year’s vaccine will protect against those flu viruses and whether the vaccine could protect against multiple strains of the virus.

If you get the flu, your health care provider will help you decide how best to care for you based on test results determining which type of flu you have, your medical history and your symptoms. Some antiviral medications work better against type A flus, while others work better against type B. 

Antiviral treatment is recommended as soon as possible — ideally within 48 hours — for anyone hospitalized with suspected or confirmed influenza; anyone who has severe, complicated or progressive flu; or anyone at higher risk for complications from the flu.

The post What is influenza B? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

While fever is often thought of as a common flu symptom, not everyone who gets the flu runs a temperature.

In addition to fever, common early flu symptoms include:

• Chills
• Body aches and pains
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Rhinitis — stuffy, runny nose and sneezing
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Early flu symptoms easily can be confused with a common cold, but while cold symptoms come on gradually — flu typically will affect you fast.

Flu symptoms alone aren’t enough for a diagnosis, and they can overlap quite a bit with COVID-19 symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration earlier this year approved an over-the-counter home test for flu and COVID-19. It works much the same way as existing home COVID-19 tests, using a gentle swab of the nostril to collect a sample, and can give you a result in about half an hour.

The test can detect influenza A, influenza B and COVID-19.

“For many, seasonal flu can come and go without the need to see a medical provider,” said Mary Rademaker, M.D., medical director of Norton Immediate Care Centers. “But it can be very serious for many others, and for those who are at risk of severe flu complications, we can prescribe an antiviral medication.”

What to do if you have the flu

The flu is contagious and, in some people, can be deadly. Older people, young children and people with certain health conditions can develop severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps if you have the flu.

• Stay home and rest.
• Avoid close contact with people in your house who aren’t sick.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Use over-the-counter medications to treat fever, cough and other symptoms.
• Call your doctor if you develop severe symptoms, including a high fever, are pregnant or have a condition that puts you at higher risk of a complication, like asthma. Your health care provider may prescribe an antiviral drug.

Related: When does the flu warrant emergency care?

If you have a fever, you can still spread the flu virus for about 24 hours after your temperature comes down. Stay home for another day after your fever is gone without taking any fever-reducing medicine such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

If you haven’t gotten the flu vaccine, it’s likely not too late to protect yourself and those around you. Flu season runs from fall through spring, and the flu shot takes effect after about two weeks. Even if it’s early March, you can still benefit from the vaccine’s protection.

The vaccine doesn’t always prevent you from getting sick from the flu virus, but it is very effective at reducing your symptoms or preventing you from developing flu complications if you do catch it.

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If you have a mild headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches or fatigue after getting the flu shot, it’s because your body is doing what it should. The vaccine triggers your immune system to gear up to fight off a real infection and that can feel like you have a mild case of the flu.

The immune response side effects only last for a day or two. Plenty of water and acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can help relieve side-effects.

The flu vaccine uses dead viruses to spark the immune response. You can still get an influenza infection after your annual flu shot, but it’s less likely and with your immune system primed to fight it off, you are less likely to have severe symptoms.

The injected flu vaccine is made from dead flu virus or proteins from the flu virus. Neither can cause infection.

“Even a healthy person can’t predict how serious a case of the flu might be,” said Lacey A. Conway, APRN, a family medicine provider with Norton Community Medical Associates primary care in Bardstown. “Preventing the flu is the best way to keep from potentially winding up in the hospital, or perhaps the emergency department or an immediate care center.”

READ MORE: What is influenza B?

A severe allergic reaction to the flu shot is very rare. If breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness occur it is usually within a few minutes or hours after receiving the influenza vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An allergic reaction to the flu vaccine is unlikely, but you should let the medical provider giving you the vaccine that you have a history of allergy or severe reaction to the flu vaccine or a part of the flu vaccine, including an egg allergy.

Will nasal Neosporin protect me against the flu?

This untrue advice is a spin-off of another internet claim that advises putting an antibacterial such as Neosporin ointment in your nostrils before air travel to zap germs. Any protection offered by an antibiotic ointment would affect only bacteria. A virus causes the flu, so antibacterials are of no help.

Do young, healthy people need the influenza vaccine?

Current CDC guidelines recommend yearly flu vaccination against for almost everyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women. Flu complications can include severe illness and cause hospitalization or death among otherwise healthy children and adults of all ages.

Do antibiotics fight flu?

The influenza virus will not respond to antibiotics, which affect bacteria, not viruses.

Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, can help lessen the flu’s impact. Antivirals need to be taken within 48 hours of the first sign of symptoms. Additionally, over-the-counter fever reducers (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen) and congestion fighters can offer some relief.

Can I prevent the flu by washing my hands regularly?

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs, but hand washing alone cannot keep you from getting the flu. Influenza is spread through the air via saliva droplets that can land on you and get into your nose, mouth and eyes. The flu can live up to eight hours on surfaces, so you can pick it up by touching contaminated surfaces. Do wash your hands often with soap and water, but the No. 1 way to avoid the flu is to get the flu shot.

Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough and muscle or body aches. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, however these are more common in children than adults.

“If you are mildly ill with flu symptoms, seeing your health provider or visiting an immediate care center are good options,” Lacey said. “The important thing is not to ignore flu symptoms, especially if they seem to be getting worse.”

Is it the flu or a cold?

The post Getting flu from the flu shot, Neosporin in nose and other flu myths appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“It’s important to know when you need care and the best place to get it,” said Steven T. Hester, M.D., MBA, senior vice president and chief clinical and strategy officer, Norton Healthcare. “This will ensure that our care teams can provide the most efficient care and keep your wait time down.”

If you think you may have the flu, you are otherwise healthy and you’re not having difficulty breathing, your symptoms could very well be managed at home with over-the-counter medicines, rest and fluid.

If you know you were exposed to COVID-19 but are not having any symptoms, continue to monitor your health. If you develop symptoms, start with a home test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer more guidance on when to test after exposure to COVID-19.

“It’s also important to understand that you should never delay getting medical care if you are having a serious issue,” Dr. Hester said. “You can always contact your primary care provider for direction, especially if it is in regard to a pre-existing condition.”

COVID-19 and flu vaccines continue to be the best way to prevent severe illness from these two viruses.

Flu

You may schedule a Norton eCare appointment to talk to a provider virtually or by phone. If it is determined that a test is necessary, you will have the option of visiting Norton Healthcare Express Services for a drive-thru test. This option is only available with a physician order. Visit NortonHealthcare.com/Flu for more information.

Care for COVID-19, flu and other infections

Care from your home

Norton eCare offers video and phone visits for conditions that are not complex, emergency or life-threatening situations.

These include:

• Eye, nose and throat issues, such as pinkeye
• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash, insect bites and poison ivy
• Urinary issues

Same-day care

If you need same-day care and are unable to get to your primary care provider, get urgent care at a Norton Immediate Care Center or a Norton Prompt Care at clinic for COVID-19 or Flu testing and treatment or other minor health issues including:

• Cough
• Earache
• Fever
• Flu
• Minor animal bites
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Minor burns or cuts
• Minor injuries
• Pinkeye
• Rash or skin irritation
• Sore throat
• Urinary tract infection
• Suspected broken bone (Norton Immediate Care Center only)

Emergency care

Serious issues requiring care in an emergency department are:

• Chest pain
• Stroke symptoms (numbness in face, arm or leg; trouble speaking; sudden severe headache)
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
• Major injury or head trauma
• Seizure (for those not diagnosed with epilepsy)
• Severe shortness of breath or asthma attack
• Severe burn or wound
• Shock
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Vomiting blood

If you have a concern that you think is an emergency and your symptoms are life-threatening, call 911 or go to an emergency department right away.

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Both infections can cause:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

One frequent symptom of COVID-19 that doesn’t come with flu is a newly lost sense of taste or smell.

Emergency warning signs of infection from the coronavirus include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

With either illness, contact a health care provider with any severe or troubling symptoms.

It can be difficult to tell based solely on symptoms whether an illness is COVID-19 or flu. Confirmation of either would have to come from a nasal swab test.

The common cold typically comes with a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and body aches. Fever is not a common cold symptom, and while fever often accompanies flu, it doesn’t always.

Who’s vulnerable to COVID-19 or flu?

Anyone can get sick from the coronavirus or the flu — or both. Serious complications from these viruses can happen at any age.

Those who are older and those with severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious illness with COVID-19.

Similarly, the flu can strike anyone. As with COVID-19, anyone over 65 and people of any age with certain chronic conditions such heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Flu can hit pregnant women and children under age 5 particularly hard. Kids younger than 2 years old are especially at risk.

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Based on the experience in Australia, the 2022-2023 flu season predictions are for a tough winter.

From mid-April through the end of June in Australia, weekly confirmed cases of flu consistently exceeded five-year averages, according to the weekly Australian Influenza Surveillance Report.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of mid-October early indications of flu activity in the southeastern and south-central portions of the U.S. could signal an early start to this year’s spread of the virus.

Flu illnesses tend to peak between December and February, although many people still get sick as late as May.

“Even if the flu is spreading around you, it’s not too late to get vaccinated,” said Monalisa M. Tailor, M.D., an internal medicine physician and primary care provider with Norton Community Medical Associates. “Getting vaccinated by the end of October will give you about six months of protection through the worst of flu season. Your protection starts about two weeks after you get the shot.”

Read more

Influenza B can be severe in children

What’s the best time to get a flu shot?

Seasonal influenza hasn’t been much of an issue the past two seasons as steps to avoid COVID-19 also prevented the spread of flu. But for the 2022-2023 flu season, predictions of resurgent flu viruses are combining with expectations of another COVID-19 surge this winter. Wearing masks, traveling less and other precautions to avoid COVID-19 slowed the spread of respiratory viruses during the past two seasons.

“Because we took steps to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19, fewer people, especially young children, have flu exposure through getting sick or vaccination,” Dr. Tailor said. “Getting vaccinated against flu right away and COVID-19 when you are scheduled for a shot or booster can help prevent these sometimes deadly diseases.”

If you are due for the COVID-19 vaccine or a booster, you can get it at the same time you get your flu shot.

As for the illnesses, it’s also possible to get flu and COVID-19 at the same time. A recent study found that in 2020 and 2021, those who were infected with both viruses faced significantly increased odds of death.

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The flu shot isn’t 100% effective, but it’s your best chance to avoid getting sick. Flu viruses can mutate over time and drift from the precise strains the vaccine was designed to ward off.

“The flu vaccine can not only prevent the flu, but prevent you from getting a severe case,” said Martin C. Ozor, M.D., family medicine physician at Norton Louisville Primary Care Center on West Hill Street. “And while your body will start producing antibodies about two weeks after the shot, it takes six weeks to build up the maximum protection.”

Many health care providers are requiring appointments before getting a flu shot to space out the number of people in the office. Flu shots are available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies or drive-thru events.

By getting a flu shot, wearing a mask, maintaining 6 feet of separation when in public and frequently washing your hands, you significantly increase your chances of avoiding the flu. And with COVID-19 spreading, keeping yourself healthy frees up more health care resources to help those affected by the pandemic.

The symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are often indistinguishable and often will require a test to determine a diagnosis.

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