---
name: flu-care
description: Use when asked for general educational information about flu (influenza) care — common symptoms, general self-care measures, and when to seek medical attention — for education only, not medical advice; always direct the reader to consult a doctor or health care professional.
---

# Flu Care

> ⚠️ **Ask your doctor or health care professional. This information is AI generated for education and NOT medical advice.**

Influenza (flu) is a contagious viral respiratory infection, typically
more severe than a common cold, that spreads seasonally and can cause
serious complications in some groups.

## Common symptoms

Sudden onset of fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, headache, dry
cough, and sore throat — generally more intense and sudden in onset
than a common cold.

## General self-care measures

- Rest and stay well hydrated.
- Use fever/pain-reducing medication as appropriate for age and health
  status.
- Stay home and away from others while contagious to limit spread.
- Consider an annual flu vaccination, particularly for higher-risk
  groups (see [[vaccinations-assessment]]).

## When to seek medical attention

- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent dizziness, or confusion
  — seek emergency care; see [[urgent-emergency-care]].
- Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen (can indicate a secondary
  infection, such as pneumonia).
- High-risk individuals (very young, elderly, pregnant, or with
  underlying health conditions) with flu symptoms, who may benefit from
  earlier antiviral treatment.
- Symptoms lasting longer than about a week without improvement.

## Common pitfalls

- **Confusing flu with a common cold** — flu typically has a more
  sudden onset and more severe body aches/fatigue; treating flu like a
  minor cold can delay appropriate care, especially for high-risk
  individuals.
- **Going to work or school while contagious** — this spreads infection
  to others, including people at higher risk of complications.
- **Skipping the annual flu vaccine due to a past mild case** — flu
  strains vary year to year, and severity varies unpredictably; the
  vaccine is reformulated annually for that reason.

## Learn more

- [[vaccinations-assessment]] for immunization schedule guidance.
- [[fever-care]], [[pneumonia-care]] for related conditions.
- [[health-care]] for general navigation of health systems.