Physicians told how to identify the flu symptoms

Influenza and upper respiratory tract infections require different therapy. To distinguish between these infections, you should carefully monitor the symptoms. "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" refers to Andrei Tyazhelnikov, the chief expert in primary care centre of the Moscow Health Department. The expert recalls that upper respiratory tract infections are usually a mild illness, but influenza can cause dangerous complications.

Influenza a few hours after infection is manifested by severe weakness and high fever. Events are progressing at an incredible rate – in an hour the temperature can rise to 40 degrees. Such temperature persists for several days and it is hard to bring it down. The symptoms of influenza also include pain and headaches. On the second day, a dry cough followed by a productive cough occurs.

In case of upper respiratory tract infections, the temperature usually does not exceed 39 degrees. Such condition persists only for a couple of days, and then the condition improves. There is no severe pain in the muscles and joints, as opposed to the flu. Upper respiratory tract infections usually last no more than a week. Influenza can last up to 10 days, and malaise lasts for about three weeks.

Source: Meddaily