The individual may spend the first week sick in bed, and the second week recovering. There is actually a test for influenza which can be done on a swabbed specimen from the nose, but this is not always available to a physician, may not be run quickly enough in some locations, or may be too costly to warrant its routine use. Usually the diagnosis is made by the physician based on the patient's symptoms, their severity, and, of course, the time of year. Young, healthy people usually recover from influenza without problems. Children may, of course, develop an ear or sinus infection as they might from an ordinary cold.
Pneumonia is a more potentially serious, and somewhat common complication.
This occurs most often in the elderly or chronically ill, but can occur in healthy children as well. Since this is a viral infection, antibiotics are NOT used , unless a bacterial complication such as an ear or sinus infection occurs. There is an association between aspirin use, influenza, and the development of Reyes syndrome, a very serious illness causing injury to the brain and liver. Lukewarm baths may also reduce fever. Cold and cough medications are of minimal use, but are safe.