Pulmonology focuses on diagnosing and treating lung and airway conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, as well as overall respiratory health.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
The clinical presentation of influenza is characterized by an abrupt, often dramatic onset of symptoms. Unlike the common cold, which typically evolves gradually, influenza strikes suddenly, usually allowing patients to pinpoint the exact hour they fell ill. This rapid development of symptoms reflects the aggressive viral replication and the immediate, potent release of interferon and other inflammatory mediators. The spectrum of illness ranges from asymptomatic infection to fulminant respiratory failure. Recognizing the classic constellation of symptoms while remaining vigilant for atypical presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. At Liv Hospital, clinical assessment focuses on identifying both the acute viral manifestations and the subtle signs of developing complications.
The hallmark of influenza is the prominence of systemic symptoms that affect the entire body, often overshadowing the respiratory complaints in the initial phase.
Fever and Chills
High fever is a cardinal sign of influenza, often spiking between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. The fever typically lasts 3 to 4 days but can persist longer. It is frequently accompanied by severe chills and rigor, reflecting the body’s attempt to raise its core temperature to create an inhospitable environment for the virus. In elderly patients or those with immunosuppression, the fever response may be blunted or absent, necessitating a high index of suspicion based on other clinical signs.
Myalgia and Arthralgia
Severe muscle pain (myalgia) and joint pain (arthralgia) are characteristic of the flu. These pains are often most intense in the back, arms, and legs. The myalgia can be severe enough to make movement difficult and is sometimes accompanied by cutaneous hyperesthesia, where the skin feels sensitive to touch. This symptom is a direct result of the systemic release of cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
While systemic symptoms dominate early on, respiratory symptoms become more prominent as the illness progresses and the virus damages the respiratory epithelium.
Non-Productive Cough
A dry, hacking cough is a frequent and often persistent symptom. It can be severe and may cause chest discomfort or burning. As the disease resolves, the cough may become productive if there is significant epithelial sloughing or secondary bacterial infection. The destruction of the tracheal cilia impairs the clearance of secretions, prolonging the cough reflex often for weeks after other symptoms have resolved.
Sore Throat and Rhinitis
Pharyngitis and nasal congestion are common but typically less severe than in the common cold. The sore throat may be severe in the first few days. Nasal obstruction and clear discharge (rhinorrhea) may occur, contributing to the overall sense of malaise. Inflammation of the upper airways can also cause substernal soreness and a sensation of rawness in the throat and trachea.
Influenza in children can present differently than in adults, often mimicking other pediatric illnesses.
In the elderly population, influenza presentation can be atypical and subtle, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased mortality.
The morbidity of influenza is primarily driven by its complications.
Certain groups are statistically at a much higher risk of developing severe disease and complications.
External factors influence transmission and severity.
Although primarily a respiratory virus, influenza can affect the nervous system.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include high fever, severe body aches, and fatigue, whereas cold symptoms come on gradually and primarily affect the nose and throat.
Muscle aches are caused by the immune system releasing inflammatory chemicals to fight the virus, which also causes inflammation in muscle tissues.
While rare in adults, children with influenza often experience vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration requiring medical attention.
Aging weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight the virus, and older adults often have chronic conditions that the flu can severely exacerbate.
If a patient recovers from the flu but then suddenly develops a high fever, chest pain, and a productive cough, it often indicates bacterial pneumonia.
Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
