Seasonal Flu and Flu-like Infections - Risks, Prevention, and Treatment

Between November and December, the period of increased respiratory virus activity begins in Poland. This also applies to Poznań, where large crowds, public transportation, and shopping malls favor an increased number of infections. During this time, patients increasingly report symptoms typical of flu or flu-like infections. Although many people treat them like a common cold, the differences between these disease entities are significant - especially due to the risk of complications.

How is the flu different from flu-like infections?

Seasonal flu is caused by influenza type A or B viruses. It has a rapid onset and often leads to significant weakness. In contrast, flu-like infections are a whole collection of viral infections (e.g., adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, parainfluenza) whose symptoms resemble the flu but usually have a milder course.

In Primary Healthcare (POZ) centers in Poznań, doctors observe a particularly high number of patients during the winter period with symptoms that are difficult to distinguish without an examination - which is why diagnostics in the office are key.

Main differences in progress:

• Flu:
  • sudden onset of the disease (within a few hours),
  • high fever,
  • severe muscle and joint pain,
  • pronounced weakness,
  • dry cough,
  • retrosternal pain (behind the breastbone).
• Flu-like infections:
  • milder and gradual onset,
  • moderate fever,
  • runny nose (more common than in the flu),
  • general malaise, but less severe.

What are the risks of the flu and why is it dangerous?

Flu is not just a temporary discomfort. It is a disease that can lead to serious consequences - especially in children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.

Most common complications of the flu:

• pneumonia (viral or bacterial),
• bronchitis,
• exacerbation of asthma and chronic diseases (e.g., COPD),
• sinusitis,
• dehydration,
• myocarditis,
• worsening of cardiovascular diseases,
• secondary bacterial infections.

In large cities such as Poznań, complications appear more often in groups with high exposure - e.g., employees in public places or children attending schools.

What are the first symptoms of the flu and flu-like infections?

Flu symptoms:

• high fever (above 38°C/100.4°F),
• severe muscle and joint pain,
• persistent fatigue,
• chills,
• dry cough,
• headache,
• lack of appetite.

Symptoms of flu-like infections:

• runny nose and stuffy nose,
• moderate fever,
• sore throat,
• wet or mixed cough,
• general weakness.

If symptoms are unusual, last longer than a few days, or intensify rapidly, do not hesitate to contact your primary care physician.

How to prevent the flu and flu-like infections?

During the winter season in Poznań, there is a natural increase in cases, but there are a number of actions that reduce the risk of infection.

Most effective prevention methods:

• frequent hand washing,
• properly covering the nose and mouth when coughing,
• avoiding large crowds when possible,
• regularly airing out rooms,
• proper diet and hydration,
• monitoring vitamin D levels in winter,
• flu vaccination - recommended as a preventive measure in the autumn-winter season.

Treatment of flu and flu-like infections

1. Rest and hydration

The body uses a lot of energy to fight viruses, so adequate hydration and rest are crucial.

2. Symptomatic treatment

• antipyretics (fever reducers),
• cough preparations (depending on the type),
• saline inhalations,
• humidifying the air,
• nasal or throat rinses,
• avoiding antibacterial drugs without indication (antibiotics do not work on viruses).

3. When is an urgent consultation with a doctor necessary?

• shortness of breath, worsening breathing,
• fever persisting for more than 3 days,
• severe weakness,
• dehydration,
• chest pain,
• disturbances of consciousness,
• lack of improvement despite symptomatic treatment.

In Poznań, family doctors observe that patients often seek help too late - especially people with chronic diseases. In this group, even typical viral infections can lead to a severe course.

Flu in Poznań - why are there more cases?

Several factors influence the local increase in cases:

• large crowds of people in public transportation,
• dynamic temperature changes and high humidity,
• the pre-holiday period and intense traffic in stores,
• frequent movement of residents,
• greater exposure of children in schools and kindergartens.

All this causes viruses to spread faster - which is why it is crucial to react as soon as the first symptoms appear.

When to contact a primary care physician?

Any infection with worsening symptoms, breathing difficulties, high fever, or lack of improvement requires consultation with a POZ doctor. This applies to both adults and children.

Individuals who are not currently registered with any primary care physician can use the new patient registration instructions - available on the clinic's website via the link: rejestracja nowego pacjenta.

If your health condition makes a personal visit difficult, it is possible to use remote consultations. Details are available in the section porady telemedyczne Poznań.