“The first symptoms are usually the same”: how to distinguish influenza from ARVI

Symptoms of influenza and ARVI in the initial stage of the disease are very similar. But then the clinical picture changes, said general practitioner Alena Beregovaya to Klops.

The cold is often confused with the flu, mistaking one for the other, the doctor noted. This is not surprising: in both cases it starts with a runny nose, sore throat and fever. But there is still a difference.

“The flu has worse symptoms. Patients may also complain of pain and dizziness,” the therapist said.

Unlike a cold, the flu virus enters the blood, spreads throughout the body, causes intoxication and damages organs. The heart, lungs and brain are at risk. The disease is more serious and can lead to the following problems:

• the smallpox
• otitis (inflammation of the middle ear);
• meningitis (the most dangerous inflammation of the membranes of the brain),
• damage to the cardiovascular and nervous system.

“Every year, 3-5 million cases of severe influenza and 290-650 thousand fatal cases are recorded worldwide,” said the doctor.

At risk, according to the therapist, are children under 5 years old, elderly people over 65, as well as pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, obesity and weak immunity.

“Timely vaccination helps to avoid unpleasant consequences. When the body becomes familiar with the pathogen in advance, the disease is easier to tolerate,” concluded Alena Beregovaya.