Don't blame every illness on the flu.

Not all headaches, runny noses, and fevers indicate the flu. There are similar symptoms that are not flu. How can you distinguish between these illnesses that are easily confused with the flu?

Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are more likely to experience severe symptoms when they contract the flu - Photo: D. LIEU

Cases with high fever, headache, body aches, cough, runny nose, etc., have symptoms very similar to the flu, but are actually not seasonal flu.

It is not the flu.

First, there's the common cold.

This "cousin" shares many similarities with the flu, such as mild fever, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion. However, the common cold usually doesn't cause high fever and severe body aches like the flu.

Secondly, there is bacterial pharyngitis. This condition causes a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a dry or productive cough. Sometimes, pharyngitis also causes a mild fever and headache, which can be easily mistaken for the flu.

Thirdly, there is COVID-19. Patients experience fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste and smell... Some cases of COVID-19 can also cause headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue similar to the flu.

The differences should be based on the symptoms and progression of the disease.

Influenza: Sudden high fever, severe headache, general muscle aches, dry cough, and extreme fatigue are typical symptoms of influenza.

Common cold: Usually presents with milder symptoms such as a slight fever, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Sore throat: The most prominent symptom is a sore throat, accompanied by a cough and possibly a slight fever.

COVID-19: In addition to respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 can also cause loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, etc.

In what cases should you get a flu vaccine?

Dr. Nguyen Trung Cap, deputy director of the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that getting the flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of contracting the disease and reduces the risk of severe complications when infected with the flu.

Among them, older adults; people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and obesity; and those with weakened immune systems or organ transplants are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms when infected with influenza. Therefore, these groups should be prioritized for vaccination.

"Because influenza viruses have the ability to change their antigens frequently, manufacturers must base their vaccine production on these antigenic changes to create batches suitable for each annual flu season. Therefore, the flu vaccine is recommended annually, especially for high-risk individuals," Dr. Cap explained.

Speaking to Tuổi Trẻ newspaper, Dr. Thân Mạnh Hùng, deputy head of the emergency department at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, also stated that people at high risk should get the seasonal flu vaccine annually.

Because seasonal influenza occurs seasonally, people get vaccinated against the flu before the flu season, usually in the winter-spring in the North and year-round in the South, so that the body has enough time to create antibodies to protect against the flu.

It typically takes about 2-3 weeks after a flu shot for the body to develop enough antibodies to protect against the flu virus. The flu vaccine's protection peaks around 2-3 weeks after injection and can last from 6-12 months, so one injection per year is usually sufficient.

Children aged 6 months to 5 years, people over 65 years old, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine. Some individuals should not receive the flu vaccine, such as those with a history of allergies to vaccines or those currently experiencing a high fever.

When is antiviral medication needed?

Regarding antiviral drugs, there are two groups of people who need to use them: those at high risk of complications such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.

Antiviral medications are not preventative; they are only effective after infection or exposure to the source of infection. They must be used early, within 48 hours, and at the correct dosage and duration as prescribed by your doctor.

Prevent the flu by keeping your body warm, especially when the weather changes. Maintain good personal hygiene and wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask when in crowded places. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to boost your immune system. Limiting contact with crowds... also helps reduce the risk of catching the flu.

Often mistaken for a common cold.

According to Associate Professor Do Duy Cuong (Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases, Bach Mai Hospital), a common cold is caused by exposure to cold wind and rain, usually resulting in mild fatigue that resolves on its own within a few days. Influenza, on the other hand, is a disease caused by the influenza virus, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, fever, nasal congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing... and can cause dangerous complications requiring treatment.

Symptoms of influenza often include high fever (38-40°C) or chills, headache, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose, persistent fatigue, and possibly nausea (in children). Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea should also be considered as potential signs of influenza.

Severe cases can progress to symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. In severe cases, respiratory support may be needed for at least 48 hours. The severity of seasonal influenza varies depending on age, underlying health conditions, vaccination status, and natural immunity to the virus.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dung-cu-benh-gi-cung-do-cho-cum-20250211082637104.htm