The incubation period is one to three days and the disease ordinarily lasts for three to ten days. Self-diagnosis of flu is difficult as its classic symptoms, a fever, a sore throat, a headache and aching joints, are often confused with a common cold. You can test whether you have the flu on the NHS Direct website . Flu differs from a common cold in the way that its viral strains rapidly appear and affect large numbers of people. Flu usually involves these initial symptoms, along with a worsening of the sore throat and muscle pains.
Flu viruses enter the body through the eyes, nose or mouth.
Flu is usually spread from person to person via airborne droplets or respiratory fluids, especially coughing and sneezing. Every year flu kills thousands , particularly the elderly. Healthy people tend not to die from flu, although they can if complications develop, such as pneumonia or blood poisoning. Antibiotics are not effective against the flu. If your illness lasts longer than the usual three to ten days, you should see your doctor.