Is It a Cold or Is It the Flu?Cold vs. Flu: Does It Matter?

Cold vs. Flu: Does It Matter?

Cold? Flu? Over-the-counter drugs and chicken soup help both, right? Not so fast.

Learning whether it is a cold or flu is important because the flu can have serious complications such as pneumonia or even death. Treating flu within 48 hours of symptoms is best. Prescription antiviral drugs may cut the time you're sick.s It Matter?

Cold? Flu? Over-the-counter drugs and chicken soup help both, right? Not so fast.

Learning whether it is a cold or flu is important because the flu can have serious complications such as pneumonia or even death. Treating flu within 48 hours of symptoms is best. Prescription antiviral drugs may cut the time you're sick.

Flu: Comes on Fast and Furious

If you feel like you've been hit by a truck, it's probably the flu. Flu symptoms like sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough tend to come on suddenly and are more intense than cold symptoms. Colds usually include a runny or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms usually improve over two to five days, but you might feel run-down for a week or longer. Colds come on gradually and last about a week.

Is Swine Flu (H1N1) Still a Threat?

Swine flu has recently been in the news, but the pandemic officially ended in 2010. Current flu vaccines protect against swine and seasonal flu. Swine flu and the regular seasonal flu share many symptoms: cough, sore throat, fever (although not everyone with flu gets a fever), and body aches. But many people with swine flu also develop stomach problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Fever: Usually Means Flu

While some people may develop a slight fever when they have a cold, most do not. If you have the flu, you will probably run a fever of 100-102 degrees or higher. Children's flu fevers tend to be higher, and children may be more likely to develop a fever with the common cold

Flu: Fatigue Can Last for Weeks

When you've got the flu, you likely start off feeling extremely tired and achy all over.  That fatigue and weakness may last for up to 3 weeks -- or even longer in the elderly, and people with chronic diseases or a weak immune system. With a cold, you usually feel bad for just a few days.

Colds and Flu: Can Cause Headaches

A headache isn't a reliable indicator of flu because a cold can cause a headache, too. But a headache caused by a cold, like other cold symptoms, tends to be milder than one caused by flu

Coughs: Sign of Both Colds and Flu

Because both colds and flu are respiratory illnesses, which affect your airways, both can cause coughing.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be a complication of the flu. Call your doctor if you have a persistent cough, fever higher than 102 degrees and chills, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain as a result of coughing, or are coughing up yellow-green or bloody phlegm.

Earaches: Can Come From Colds or Flu

Colds and flu can cause earaches because they can irritate the eustachian tube that connects your throat to your middle ear. That irritation can cause dull or burning pain. Cold and flu-related earaches usually go away by themselves.

If pain lasts longer than your sickness or you feel sudden, strong pain, see a doctor. You may have developed an ear infection that needs treatment.

Colds: Often Start With Sore Throat

Most colds start with a sore throat for one to two days. A runny and stuffy nose is also common. Sore throats can be a symptom of the flu -- with flu, a sore throat is accompanied by fatigue and other symptoms that often happen all at once.

Stuffy Nose: May Mean a Cold

Unless you're also feverish, very achy, and just plain zapped of energy, you've likely got a cold -- although many people with the flu also report a stuffy nose and sneezing.

Both cold and flu can lead to sinus infections. These are marked by a deep and constant pain in the area of the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain usually gets worse with sudden head movement or straining. Seek medical treatment for sinus infections.

Flu Swab Tests Can ID Flu Fast

The quickest and most effective way to know if you have flu or a cold is to get a test at your doctor's office.

By taking a nasal or throat swab, your doctor can often tell if you have the flu virus, usually within 30 minutes or less. If you test positive for flu and your symptoms started within the last 48 hours, your doctor may suggest antiviral treatment to help you recover more quickly.

Flu: Start Antiviral Drugs Quickly

The flu can be brutal, but antiviral medications can make you feel better and shorten the time you are sick by one to two days -- if they are started within two days of getting sick. Over-the-counter medications can also lessen some flu symptoms like cough and congestion. Read labels and instructions carefully so you understand what you are taking and how to take it.

Colds: OTC Drugs Can Reduce Symptoms

Drugstore medicines like decongestants, cough suppressants, and antihistamines can help congestion, cough, and nasal symptoms. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can treat pain or headache.

Read the active ingredients and warnings on all product labels. Many cough and cold medicines contain the same ingredients, so you could accidentally overdose unless you're careful. Using aspirin to treat flu has been linked to Reye’s Syndrome in children under 18. Talk to your doctor before using aspirin in children.

Cold and Flu Prevention: Hand-Washing

Wash hands well to help prevent the spread of flu from one person to the next. With soap and warm water, vigorously rub your hands together for 20 seconds; don't forget between your fingers and around your nails. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work.

Wash often during cold and flu season, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Can't find a tissue? Sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of your hands.

Flu Prevention: Vaccines

Get a flu vaccine. They're made of harmless versions of flu virus to help your body recognize and fight it if exposed to the real thing. Despite what you may hear, they don't give you the flu.

They're especially important for children older than 6 months, pregnant women, adults older than 50, and people with chronic illness or suppressed immune systems.

Healthy children 2 years old and older and nonpregnant healthy adults under 50 can opt for the nasal mist vaccine.

Flu Symptoms

Are you wondering if you have flu? Although seasonal flu symptoms often mimic a cold, a common cold rarely causes a very high fever. Let's learn more about flu symptoms so you are fully prepared if you get sick. 

Why Do I Need to Know About Flu Symptoms?

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by different flu viruses.  It's important to understand flu symptoms so you can seek immediate treatment, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.

The earlier you recognize that you have the flu can also make a difference in how long it lasts. Prescription medications called antiviral drugs -- Relenza and Tamiflu -- are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms. These flu drugs are effective against the typical strains of seasonal flu. They can decrease the duration of the flu by one day if used within this early window. These antivirals may also provide benefit if given even after two days, especially in people who are very sick.

How Will I Know if Flu Season Has Started?

Seasonal flu follows a fairly predictable pattern, starting in the fall and ending in the spring.  A good sign that seasonal flu season has started is the sudden increase in the number of school-aged children sick at home with flu-like illness. This initial flu outbreak is soon followed by similar infection in other age groups, especially adults.

How Are Flu Symptoms Different From Cold Symptoms?

Unlike symptoms of a common cold, flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. It often starts with the abrupt onset of fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches. Here's a list of flu symptoms you might feel:

• fever (usually high)
• severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes
• generalized weakness
• ill appearance with warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• headache
• dry cough
• sore throat and watery discharge from your nose

Seasonal influenza is not usually associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting, at least not in adults. However, these symptoms appear withstomach flu, which is a popular but inaccurate term for gastroenteritis. 

What Are Common Flu Symptoms in Children?

Typical signs of seasonal flu in children include high-grade fever up to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C), chills, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, dry cough, and just plain feeling sick. Flu symptoms in children may also cause vomiting and belly pain. These flu symptoms usually last for three to four days, but cough and tiredness may linger for up to two weeks after the fever has gone away. Other family members or close contacts often have a similar illness.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Children and Flu. 

What About Flu Symptoms in Infants and Toddlers?

In young children, seasonal flu symptoms may be similar to those of other respiratory tract infections such as croup, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequently observed in young children. Vomiting tends to be more significant than diarrhea. Fever is usually high and irritability may be prominent.

Because young children are at increased risk of getting severe flu complications, the CDC recommends that all children aged older than 6 months get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. 

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Children and Flu. 

Are There Complications Associated With the Flu?

According to the CDC, complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Home Remedies for Fast Flu Relief

Home Remedies for Fast Flu Relief

Need fast flu relief? Most of these remedies have been used to treat flu symptomsfor generations, and may help ease your symptoms as your body fights the flu virus. 

Also, it's a good idea to call your doctor at the first signs of flu -- widespread body aches and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, flu medications may be able to shorten the duration of the flu.

Flu Symptoms: Stuffy Sinuses

Try these tips to ease stuffy sinuses and breathe easier:

• Breathe aromatic steam: Fill the bathroom or kitchen sink with steaming water, and add two teaspoons chopped fresh ginger (Zingiber officinalis). Drape a towel over your head and lean over the steam to get maximum benefit. Or add one teaspoon of the over-the-counter ointment Vicks VapoRub® to the steaming water, then breathe in the steam for several minutes until you get relief. Another flu remedy is to add a few drops of oil of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) or menthol to the water. Eucalyptus is known to open up bronchial tubes, ease congestion, and make breathing easier.
• Take a warm shower: Getting in a warm shower with the bathroom door closed works as your own personal sauna. The steamy bathroom helps to open your airways and moisten and thin the mucus in your sinuses.
• Increase liquids: Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water each day. Water keeps your respiratory system hydrated, which helps to liquefy thick mucus that builds up with a respiratory infection. Some findings show that hot liquids may be superior to cold liquids in upper respiratory infections. Other liquids can be added, but avoid coffee, tea with caffeine, or alcoholic beverages as these liquids may cause dehydration. 
• Use moist heat compresses: If your head is throbbing and it's difficult to breathe through your nose, you may find relief by applying warm moist compresses to the cheeks and sinuses. If you use moist heat, make sure it's not too hot to avoid burning yourself.
• Try nasal saline irrigation or saline sprays: A host of scientific studies support nasal saline irrigation as an effective flu remedy to thin mucus, decrease postnasal drip, and add moisture to dried mucous membranes. In addition, the nasal rinse helps to remove virus particles and bacteria from your nose. Saline (salt water) nasal sprays can be purchased at any drug or grocery store and are effective, safe and nonirritating, even for children. Spray the saline solution into one nostril and then gently blow the mucus and saline out of that nostril. Repeat the process in the opposite nostril until both are running clear.
• Consider decongestant nasal sprays: If you want immediate relief for a swollen, congested nasal passage, decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin and Neo-Synephrine may be helpful. Decongestant nasal sprays are safe to use, but it's important to stop the spray after three days to avoid the development of rebound congestion (congestion that worsens when you stop the spray). This warning is on the bottle of most over-the-counter decongestant sprays.

Nasal Saline Irrigation Tips

Here's a popular nasal irrigation recipe that you can try at home:

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water.
2. Use a bulb syringe to squirt water into the nose.
3. Learning over the bathroom sink, hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain and gently blow your nose.
4. Repeat 2-3 times and then treat the other nostril.

You can also use a Neti Pot for nasal saline irrigation. A Neti pot is a ceramic container that looks like a genie's magic lamp and is available at most natural foods stores.

1. Fill the Neti pot with the saline solution (see recipe above).
2. Leaning over the bathroom sink, tilt your head to one side and pour the solution directly into one nostril with the Neti pot.
3. The solution will go into your nasal cavity and run out the other nostril and the back of your throat.
4. Spit out the drainage, and gently blow your nose to clear your nasal passages.

According to the CDC, if you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution. It’s also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.

Flu Symptom: Cough Relief

Here are tips to ease a nagging cough:

• Cough syrup: Try an over-the-counter cough syrup to calm a cough with flu. You can select from a cough suppressant, expectorant (guaifenesin), or topical medicine (a menthol rub for the chest). If you have asthma or other lung disease, avoid suppressing your cough. Talk to your doctor to see what might be helpful in your situation. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 4.
• Cough drops: Keep sugar-free cough drops or hard candy nearby to calm a tickle in your throat. In addition, a teaspoon of honey might also help calm an irritated throat.

Flu Symptoms: Scratchy Throat and Congestion

Here are some tips to soothe a scratchy throat and chest congestion:

• Eat hot chicken soup: If the flu has taken its toll on your throat, and it's hard to swallow without grimacing, sip some hot chicken soup. Hot chicken soup is a potent mucus stimulant, especially when it's loaded with pepper, garlic, hot curry powder, or other pungent spice that helps to thin mucus in the mouth, throat, and lungs. Studies have shown that hot chicken soup improves the function of cilia, the tiny hair like projections in the nasal passages that protect the body from foreign bacteria and viruses. Steaming chicken soup may also improve the motion of disease-fighting white blood cells.
• Add spice to your meal: Garlic appears to have antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties and may give relief of upper respiratory congestion with cold or flu. Ginger also stimulates nerves that lead to mucus production. Ginger appears to have an antioxidant effect, as well as an anti-inflammatory effect, and stimulates the production of interferon that helps fight viral infections. Chili peppers are a great source of capsaicin, an antioxidant that also acts as a natural decongestant and expectorant. Horseradish contains a chemical similar to one found in decongestants.
• Try an expectorant: With a cold or flu, it's important to keep mucus thin so it doesn't stagnate and allow bacteria to breed, thus, increasing the chances of infection. Try an over-the-counter expectorant such as guaifenesin, which is found in cough products such as Robitussin and Mucinex. Remember that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 4. Follow the directions on the label.

Flu Symptoms: Fever and Muscle Aches

Ease fever and body aches with these tips:

• Try an OTC analgesic: A fever is your body's way of fighting the viral infection. There are over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Tylenol and Advil that can reduce fever and ease aching muscles. Follow the dosage recommendation on the label. Never give aspirin to a child to reduce fever! Call your doctor if you're unsure about what to take to ease fever and body aches.
• Drink more fluids: With a fever, you can easily become dehydrated. Be sure to drink lots of liquids such as water, clear soups or broth, or an electrolyte replacement drink until the fever resolves.
• Stay in bed and rest: Getting plenty of rest is important to boost immune function and give your body time to heal. It is during the deeper stages of sleep that you experience metabolic and tissue restoration.

Flu Symptoms: Nighttime Congestion and Can't Sleep

Try these tips to help you breathe easier so you can sleep:

• Try a humidifier: If the air in your room is too dry, use a warm mist humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air and help ease nasal and chest congestion. Always clean the humidifier with a bleach solution every few days to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.
• Use nasal strips: If the flu has caused nasal swelling and congestion, making it difficult to fall asleep, try over-the-counter nasal strips to alleviate this problem. These strips of tape are placed over the bridge of the nose, then a plastic strip springs back, helping to gently open your nasal passages and reduce airflow resistance. Another method of opening the nasal passages is to use surgical tape, one-quarter inch wide. Gently apply one end of the tape to the tip of your nose, lift, and fasten the other end of the tape to the top of your nose.
• Elevate your head: Prop your head up with pillows and sleep elevated to ease nighttime congestion.

The flu is miserable -- no doubt. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and do what you can to feel better. If your symptoms don't get better in a few weeks, or seem to be getting worse, call your health care provider.

Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

There's no cure for the common cold. But what about cold remedies that claim to make you feel better faster? Find out what's effective — and what's not.

Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, and many are nearly as ancient. The use of chicken soup as a congestion cure dates back centuries. But is longevity any guarantee that a cold remedy works? Do effective cold remedies even exist? Here's a look at some common cold remedies and what's known about them.

Cold remedies: What works

If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies may help:

• Water and other fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.
• Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
• Saline nasal drops and sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. In infants, experts recommend instilling several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. To do this, squeeze the bulb, gently place the syringe tip in the nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 12 millimeters) and slowly release the bulb. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children.
  Unlike nasal decongestants, saline drops and sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.
• Chicken soup. Chicken soup might help relieve cold and flusymptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, possibly helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in older children and adults. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse.
  Experts agree that these medications are dangerous in children younger than age 2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating the safety of over-the-counter cold and cough medications in older children.
  Keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in doses higher than recommended. It's common for people to take Tylenol in addition to flu medications that may also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to acetaminophen overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing.
  If a cough lasts after your other cold symptoms have resolved, see your doctor. In the meantime, try soothing your throat with warm lemon water and honey and humidifying the air in your house. Don't give honey to infants.
• Antihistamines. First-generation (sedating) antihistamines may provide minor relief of several cold symptoms, including cough, sneezing, watery eyes and nasal discharge. However, results are conflicting and the benefits may not outweigh the side effects.
• Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  If your infant has a cold, sitting in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes before bedtime may also help.

Cold remedies: What doesn't work

The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. A few of the more common ones that don't work include:

• Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. The FDA warns against their use in children younger than age 2. The ConsumerHealthcare Products Association has voluntarily modified consumer product labels on OTC cough and cold medicines to state "do not use" in children under 4 years of age, and many companies have stopped manufacturing these products for young children. The FDA is evaluating the safety of these medications in older children.
• Zinc. The cold-fighting reputation of zinc has had its ups and downs. That's because many zinc studies — both those that find the mineral beneficial and those that do not — are flawed. The highest quality randomized trials generally show no benefit. In studies with positive results, zinc seemed most effective taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. Taking zinc with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste and nausea.
  Intranasal zinc may result in permanent damage to the sense of smell. The FDA issued a warning against using three zinc-containing nasal cold remedies because they had been associated with a long-lasting or permanent loss of smell(anosmia).

Cold remedies: What probably doesn't hurt

In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on some popular cold remedies, such as vitamin C and echinacea. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies:

• Vitamin C. It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. However, taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C may provide benefit for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure — for example, children who attend group child care during the winter.
• Echinacea. Studies on the effectiveness of echinacea at preventing or shortening colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show a significant reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a cold. One reason study results have been inconclusive may be that the type of echinacea plant and preparation used from one study to the next have varied considerably. Research on the role of echinacea in treating the common cold is ongoing. In the meantime, if your immune system is healthy and you aren't taking prescription medications, using echinacea supplements is unlikely to cause harm.

Take care of yourself

Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

Flu guide

Flu symptoms: What you might feel

Are you wondering if you have flu? While flu symptoms often mimic a cold, a common cold rarely causes a temperature over 38C. Let's learn more about flu symptoms so you are fully prepared if you fall ill.

Why do I need to know about flu symptoms?

Flu is an acute respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. It's important to understand flu symptoms so you can seek immediate treatment, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.

The earlier you recognise that you have the flu can also make a difference in how long it lasts. Prescription medications called antiviral medicines - zanamivir and oseltamivir - are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms. These flu medicines are effective against the typical strains of seasonal flu as well as swine flu. They can decrease the duration of the flu by one day if used within this early window. These antivirals are usually given for a period of about five to seven days.

How will I know flu season has started?

Seasonal flu follows a fairly predictable pattern, starting in the autumn and ending in the spring. A good sign that seasonal flu season has started is the sudden increase in the number of school-aged children ill at home with flu-like symptoms. This initial flu outbreak is soon followed by similar infection in other age groups, especially adults.

How are flu symptoms different from symptoms with colds?

Unlike symptoms of a common cold, flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. Flu usually starts with the abrupt onset of fever, headache, fatigue and body aches. Here's a list of flu symptoms you might feel:

• High temperature
• Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes
• Generalised weakness
• Ill appearance with warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Sore throat and watery discharge from your nose
• Diarrhoea or upset stomach

What are common flu symptoms in children?

Typical signs of flu in children include high-grade temperature, up to 40℃, chills, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, dry cough and just plain feeling ill. Flu may also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. These flu symptoms usually last for three to four days, but cough and tiredness may linger for up to two weeks after the fever has gone away. Other family members or close contacts often have a similar illness.

What about flu symptoms in infants and toddlers?

In young children, seasonal or swine flu symptoms may be similar to those of other respiratory tract infections such as croup, bronchitis or pneumonia. Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea are frequently observed in young children. Vomiting tends to be more significant than diarrhoea. Temperature is usually high and irritability may be prominent.

In infants, flu symptoms often go unrecognised because the flu signs and symptoms are not specific and may suggest a bacterial infection. Flu in infants younger than 6 months is less common, but symptoms include lethargy, poor feeding and poor circulation.

Because young children with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney diseases are at increased risk of getting severe flu complications, the Government’s Chief Medical Officer recommends that these children over six months get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu jabs are currently not recommended for children without chronic diseases but it is planned to offer all children aged two to 17 years old routine flu vaccination in the future.

Are there complications with flu symptoms?

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinusinfections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such ascongestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.