Stages of the Flu

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6. Clinical Course of Influenza - Acute Symptoms

Influenza is a condition that causes acute respiratory disease. Symptoms include high fever, runny nose, headache, cough, fatigue, a general feeling of unwellness, complete exhaustion, and inflammation of the airways. Pneumonia does not usually happen in most cases. These symptoms along with the fever can persist for 7 to 10 days. Residual fatigue and weakness can last for weeks. Although it affects individuals of all ages, it is most common among school age children. The severity tends to be greatest among the elderly, infants, and those with underlying disease. Those with chronic cardiovascular or lung disease, along with diabetes mellitus, have the highest risk of severe complications from the influenza A virus.