Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. The symptoms of pandemic influenza are the same as the seasonal influenza. However, an influenza pandemic virus will be new, so people may have little or no immunity, and response to the virus may be more severe.
A person with influenza is contagious 24 hours before they become sick, and for three to five days after becoming sick. Some children may be contagious for longer than a week. The virus can live for up to two days on hard surfaces and for up to five minutes on hands.
Home treatment and self-care can help relieve influenza symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Stay at home when you are sick. If you have a cough and a fever, rest, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will help you get better and prevent the spread of infection to others.
Here are some tips to help you tell the difference between a cold and influenza.
Symptoms |
Common Cold |
Influenza |
Fever |
Rare |
Usual, sudden onset 39º-40º, last 3 to 4 days |
Headache |
Rare |
Usual, can be severe |
Aches and Pains |
Sometimes mild |
Usual, often severe |
Fatigue and weakness |
Sometimes mild |
Usual, may last 2-3 weeks or more |
Extreme fatigue |
Unusual |
Usual, early onset, can be severe |
Runny, stuffy nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
Sneezing |
Common |
Sometimes |
Sore throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
Chest discomfort, coughing |
Sometimes mild to moderate |
Usual, can be severe |
Complications |
Can lead to sinus congestion or earache |
Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure; can worsen a current chronic condition; can be life-threatening |
Prevention |
Frequent hand-washing |
Annual influenza shot and frequent hand-washing |
For information on how to best manage any of these symptoms, visit BC HealthGuide On-Line, and type the symptom into the BC HealthGuide search window.
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