Influenza, Covid-19 or just a common cold – can you tell the difference between the symptoms and when to see a doctor?

Influenza is a rarer and more serious illness than the common cold, the flu. Seasonal influenza is an inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by viruses A and B, while the flu is caused by many different viruses.

– Influenza starts more suddenly and has more severe symptoms than the flu. Typical symptoms include high fever, severe joint pains, fatigue, chills, headache, malaise and severe cough," says Toni Vänni, general practitioner and occupational health specialist at Terveystalo.

Influenza or perhaps a Covid-19 infection?

In a healthy person, the treatment for influenza is usually rest, painkillers and plenty of fluids. If you or someone living in the same household with you is at risk, it may be worth ruling out other illnesses.

– The symptoms of influenza and coronavirus can be very similar. In this case, rapid diagnostics is a handy tool: a swab of mucous membranes or a nasal swab can tell you which virus is present within 20 minutes.

The flu vaccine also protects loved ones

Influenza is easily caught even a few days before symptoms appear.

– Even if you are still healthy, you may already be infected. That's why it's worth getting the flu vaccine, even if you're not in the risk group: this way you can also protect your close ones, such as your children or grandparents, from getting sick," says Vänni.

The flu vaccine also protects you from secondary diseases. In adults, influenza is often accompanied by pneumonia or sinusitis. For people with asthma or emphysema, the flu can worsen their condition and require long-term hospitalisation.

– In children, the most common sequela is otitis media, which follows influenza in up to 40% of children under three," says Toni Vänni.

How do you know when it's time to see a doctor?

1. Check your general condition. If you've been feeling otherwise healthy but a sudden high fever puts you to bed for a couple of days, it's a good idea to see a doctor, for example.
2. If your underlying conditions are getting worse, it's time to see a doctor. A few days of colds or coughs are nothing to worry about, but breathing difficulties are a sign that the underlying causes of the illness need to be investigated.
3. It's always a good idea to get any abnormal symptoms checked out. People get sick in different ways - some have more severe symptoms, others less. If your own symptoms seem unusual and worry you, you may need to see a doctor.