influenza
Also known as flu, influenza infection, influenza with non-respiratory manifestation, Influenza with other manifestations, human influenza, influenza, human, grippe (archaic), the grippe (archaic)
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing, and fatigue. These symptoms begin one to four (typically two) days after exposure to the virus and last for about two to eight days. Diarrhea and vomiting can occur, particularly in children. Influenza may progress to pneumonia from the virus or a subsequent bacterial infection. Other complications include acute respiratory distress syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, and worsening of pr
AI overview
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infectious disease caused by viruses that typically causes symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue lasting a few days to a week. It matters because while most cases are mild, the infection can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, or other severe conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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Key facts
- Medical condition (new).name
- Influenza
- Medical condition (new).synonyms
- flu, grippe (French for flu)
- Medical condition (new).image
- EM of influenza virus.jpg
- Medical condition (new).caption
- Influenza virus
- Medical condition (new).field
- Infectious disease
- Medical condition (new).symptoms
- Fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing, fatigue
- Medical condition (new).onset
- 1–4 days after exposure
- Medical condition (new).duration
- 2–8 days
- Medical condition (new).causes
- Influenza A, B, and C viruses
- Medical condition (new).prevention
- Hand washing, flu vaccines
- Medical condition (new).medication
- Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir
~69 min read
Article
28 sectionsContents
- Signs and symptoms
- Virology
- Types of virus
- Influenza virus nomenclature
- Genome and structure
- Life cycle
- Antigenic drift and shift
- Mechanism
- Transmission
- Pathophysiology
- Immunology
- Prevention
- Vaccination
- Antiviral chemoprophylaxis
- Infection control
- Diagnosis
- Management
- Antivirals
- Prognosis
- Epidemiology
- History
- Etymology
- In animals
- Birds
- Pigs
- Other animals
- References
- Further reading
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing, and fatigue. These symptoms begin one to four (typically two) days after exposure to the virus and last for about two to eight days. Diarrhea and vomiting can occur, particularly in children. Influenza may progress to pneumonia from the virus or a subsequent bacterial infection. Other complications include acute respiratory distress syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, and worsening of pre-existing health problems such as asthma and cardiovascular disease.
There are four types of influenza virus: types A, B, C, and D. Aquatic birds are the primary source of influenza A virus (IAV), which is also widespread in various mammals, including humans and pigs. Influenza B virus (IBV) and influenza C virus (ICV) primarily infect humans, and influenza D virus (IDV) is found in cattle and pigs. Influenza A virus and influenza B virus circulate in humans and cause seasonal epidemics, and influenza C virus causes a mild infection, primarily in children. Influenza D virus can infect humans but is not known to cause illness. In humans, influenza viruses are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Transmission through aerosols and surfaces contaminated by the virus also occur.