Most patients who get the flu recover in 3 to 14 days, but influenza can cause complications that could be life threatening. For high-risk patients, dangers of the flu are even greater and can lead to serious complications, make chronic health problems worse, or even cause death.4,12
During the 2019 to 2020 flu season in the United States, the CDC estimated that influenza was associated with approximately19:
The flu is a serious, contagious disease that impacts people of all ages and ethnicities. To make matters more serious, some symptoms of the flu can be quite similar to and/or overlap with the typical symptoms of COVID-19.12, 20-27†
SYMPTOMS | FLU | COVID-19 | COMMON COLD |
---|---|---|---|
Incubation Period | 1-4 days | 2-14 days | 2-4 days |
Symptom Onset | Sudden | Gradual or Sudden | Gradual |
Fever | Common | Common | Rare |
Chills | Common | Common | Rare |
Cough | Common | Common | Mild to Moderate |
Fatigue | Common | Common | Sometimes |
Runny Nose | Common | Sometimes | Common |
Nasal Congestion/Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes | Common |
New Loss of Taste/Sense of Smell | Not Reported/Rare | Common | Not Reported/Rare |
Diarrhea | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rare |
Body Aches | Common | Sometimes | Mild |
Sore Throat | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common |
Headache | Common | Sometimes | Rare |
Shortness of Breath | Sometimes | Common | Mild |
Coinfection of the flu and COVID-19 is possible. If the flu is confirmed or suspected, consider prescribing a flu antiviral immediately, regardless of COVID-19 infection.1,20,21†
†Single-dose XOFLUZA does not treat COVID-19 or the common cold.1
When there is a clinical diagnosis of flu or suspected flu, the CDC recommends treating flu patients empirically—especially those at high risk for developing complications—with an antiviral flu treatment. Empiric antiviral treatment is also recommended for non–high-risk outpatients with suspected influenza based on clinical judgment, including without an office visit, in communities where influenza is circulating. The CDC updates its Antiviral and Treatment Recommendations every year and has included XOFLUZA among its list of antiviral medications recommended for the flu.15‡
‡Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC does not endorse private products, services, or enterprises. The content provided is for informational purposes only. Find the latest at CDC.gov.
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Ison MG, Portsmouth high-risk adolescent and adult outpatients with uncomplicated influenza (CAPTONSE-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Infect Dis. Published online June 8, 2020. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30004-9
Ison MG, Portsmouth high-risk adolescent and adult outpatients with uncomplicated influenza (CAPTONSE-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Infect Dis. Published online June 8, 2020. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30004-9
Supplement to: Ison MG, Portsmouth, S, Yoshida Y, et al. Early treatment with baloxavir marboxil in high-risk adolescent and adult outpatients with uncomplicated influenza (CAPSTONE-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(10)suppl:S8-S10.
Supplement to: Ison MG, Portsmouth, S, Yoshida Y, et al. Early treatment with baloxavir marboxil in high-risk adolescent and adult outpatients with uncomplicated influenza (CAPSTONE-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(10)suppl:S8-S10.
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