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Influenza

Feature: Influenza

Influenza ("the flu") is not an ordinary cold. It hits harder, making you feel very ill very quickly, but symptoms usually improve within a week. Babies and toddlers, people who are over 65 and people with certain chronic diseases have a considerably higher risk of flu-related complications. There are several things you can do to lower the likelihood of infection.

Research summaries

Influenza: Do antiviral drugs like Tamiflu work and what are their adverse effects?

Antiviral influenza drugs can make flu symptoms go away a bit sooner. But they only help if they are taken within 48 hours after a person becomes ill. They can cause nausea and other adverse effects too. more...

Influenza: How much protection do flu vaccinations offer?

In most years healthy people are unlikely to get influenza, whether or not they are vaccinated. However, vaccination can reduce the risk of getting influenza by half or more. This can make a big difference in years when the risk of infection is high. more...