Influenza

Contents:

• Influenza Symptoms
• Influenza Treatment
• Influenza Vaccine
• Self-Care Instructions
• When to seek medical care?
• How Can Dokport Help?

Influenza Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 1–4 days after exposure to the virus. Common signs include a general feeling of illness, a rapid onset of fever, and a sore throat. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually last one to two weeks, though fatigue and coughing may persist longer.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever, often with chills
• Muscle aches
• Cough and sore throat
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Chest pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting

Influenza Treatment

If you are otherwise healthy, influenza usually does not require treatment. However, antiviral medication may be prescribed for high-risk groups and pregnant individuals. If complications such as pneumonia arise, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza viruses change each year, so a new vaccine is required annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) determines the composition of the vaccine. While the vaccine provides good protection, it is still possible to get sick. However, vaccinated individuals usually experience milder symptoms and recover more quickly.

Vaccination is prioritized for at-risk groups, who can receive the vaccine for free at our health centers.

Vaccination is recommended for those at higher risk of severe illness or complications, such as people over 65, those with weakened immune systems, and adults or children with heart or lung disease, diabetes, liver or kidney failure. Pregnant women are also advised to get vaccinated, as influenza can lead to more severe symptoms during pregnancy and provides protection for the newborn.

If you are healthy and under 65, vaccination is not generally recommended, but you may choose to get vaccinated if you wish.

The vaccine may cause short-term, mild flu-like symptoms.

Self-Care Instructions

At-risk individuals should get the flu vaccine, and others may consider it if they wish.

It is important to rest and stay hydrated if you have a fever. Over-the-counter nasal sprays and fever reducers available at the pharmacy can alleviate symptoms, although they won't speed up recovery.

Tips to avoid infection:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face
• Keep your distance from sick individuals
• Avoid large gatherings during flu season
• Get the flu vaccine

When to seek medical care?

Seek medical attention if your fever does not subside within five days or if it returns after a brief fever-free period. If fever does not respond to medication or if you are part of a high-risk group, consider seeing a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

How Can Dokport Help?

At Dokport’s telemedicine clinic, you can quickly get help for managing influenza. Our doctors can assess your symptoms through a chat consultation, provide home care advice, prescribe medication if necessary, or recommend sick leave based on your job. If needed, we will suggest an in-person visit with a doctor or nurse or assess the need for lab tests.

Expert: Dr. Anna Sipilä, MD, Associate Professor of Experimental Internal Medicine