The test package identifies the most common causes of respiratory infections, including influenza A and B, as well as the RS virus. It also includes the cause of Covid-19, Sars-CoV-2.
Influenza and Influenza Vaccine
Influenza is a disease in which influenza viruses cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Influenza occurs every winter, causing influenza epidemics.
Influenza and Influenza Vaccine
- The typical symptoms of influenza are high and sudden fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, malaise, and a dry cough.
- The treatment of influenza is often symptomatic, involving self-care that depends on the general health condition and symptom profile.
- Serious secondary illnesses can develop after influenza, so it is important to allow sufficient time for recovery.
- There is a vaccine against influenza, with a new version available every year because the influenza virus mutates rapidly.
- You can get vaccinated, for example, through Mehiläinen.
Influenza in General
Influenza is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses, occurring annually in winter as an influenza epidemic. The same influenza virus can cause very different symptoms in different individuals. The most common symptoms in adults are high fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. A runny nose is not a common symptom of influenza. Influenza spreads from person to person either through droplets when coughing and sneezing or through contact, such as via hands and nose-blowing.
Types of Influenza
Influenza viruses can be divided into types A, B, and C, with types A and B being the most significant causes of influenza epidemics.
Influenza A has several subtypes defined by the proteins on their surface. Influenza B does not have corresponding subtypes, but they can also be classified. The different types of influenza cause similar symptoms, although an infection caused by type B may be milder than type A. Influenza B viruses often cause epidemics later in the spring than type A.
Incubation and Contagiousness of Influenza
The incubation period of influenza varies between 1-7 days (most commonly 2-3 days), and only about half of those infected develop influenza. An infected person can spread the disease even a day before symptoms begin. The highest contagiousness of influenza is during the first 1-4 days of illness, and it lasts about a week. In children, the contagious period can be longer, up to two weeks.
Symptoms of Influenza
The symptoms of influenza largely depend on the virus type, the health condition and age of the infected person, and their ability to defend against the disease due to previous viral infections and vaccinations.
Typically, influenza begins with a high fever that rises quickly. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, and malaise. Additionally, a dry cough and sore throat may occur, but a runny nose is not a typical symptom. Existing underlying conditions can also worsen the symptoms of influenza.
In children, in addition to the aforementioned symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. Children may also experience a runny nose related to influenza.
Some individuals infected with influenza may be asymptomatic, yet they can still spread the virus to others.
If influenza is accompanied by a high fever, poor general condition, or if symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to see a doctor. If you belong to a risk group for influenza, it is recommended to seek medical attention more readily.
Diagnosing Influenza
Influenza is often diagnosed based on its typical symptoms during an epidemic. However, influenza can be confirmed with a laboratory test or a rapid test, which is taken from the throat or nostrils with a swab. Laboratory tests are more reliable than rapid tests. You can seek testing and treatment through Mehiläinen.
Treatment of Influenza
In generally healthy individuals, influenza often resolves quickly with self-care, within about one to two weeks. However, symptoms may continue for a few more weeks, gradually easing. The most important treatment for mild influenza is rest and symptomatic care.
Antiviral medications can also be used to treat influenza. They slightly shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risk of bacterial secondary infections. Medication is especially recommended for individuals in risk groups for influenza. Treatment should begin within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Antibiotics cannot treat influenza, as they only work against bacterial infections.
Prevention of Influenza Infection
The influenza vaccine is the most effective way to protect against influenza. Additionally, it is important to maintain good hand hygiene and pay attention to proper coughing techniques. Cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue or the upper sleeve and wash your hands immediately afterward. Always wash your hands before cooking and eating, when coming indoors from outside, and after using the restroom.
Consequences and Secondary Infections of Influenza
Influenza carries a risk of secondary infections, which can be severe. The most common target groups for secondary infections are the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those in risk groups due to their health conditions.
Pneumonia is a common secondary infection in all age groups. In children, common secondary infections include ear and bronchial infections. In pregnant women, influenza can lead to miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy or cause premature birth later in pregnancy.
In rare cases, influenza can lead to an exaggerated immune response in previously healthy individuals, causing tissue damage, for example, in the lungs.
Virus Testing through Puhti
Through Puhti, you can order virus tests without a doctor’s referral. Puhti offers testing options for both nucleic acid detection and antigen testing.
It is important to determine the cause of symptoms in patients with fever and respiratory symptoms, as influenza, RSV infection, and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms. Laboratory tests can examine all three infections simultaneously, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment initiation.
- Viral tests from the nasopharynx (Influenza A and B, Corona, and RSV) – Antigen
- Viral tests from the nasopharynx (Influenza A and B, Corona, and RSV) – Nucleic acid
Nucleic Acid Detection vs. Antigen Test
Nucleic acid detection identifies the virus’s genetic material, searching for the virus’s genetic material in the sample. These tests are highly sensitive and can detect even small amounts of the virus. They are suitable for testing both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and can provide results at any stage of the illness. However, PCR tests are generally slower, and results may take 1-3 days.
Antigen tests, on the other hand, identify the virus’s surface proteins. They are faster than nucleic acid tests and can provide results in as little as six hours. Antigen tests are best suited for testing symptomatic individuals, especially when symptoms have been present for less than five days. They are not as sensitive as nucleic acid tests but are useful in situations where a quick result is needed.
Influenza Vaccination
The vaccine provides protection against both the disease itself and secondary infections from influenza. The influenza vaccine reduces the number of influenza infections, the likelihood of severe disease, the risk of secondary infections, and influenza-related mortality. The influenza vaccine can be administered either as an injection or a nasal spray. The nasal spray is primarily used for children. The influenza vaccine provides protection about two weeks after administration. Most vaccinated individuals avoid infection. If infection does occur, it is likely to be milder, and recovery is faster than in unvaccinated individuals.
The protection from the influenza vaccine lasts about a year, so it needs to be renewed annually. This is because the influenza virus mutates rapidly, and the vaccine updated in the previous year no longer provides sufficient protection against the virus in the following year.
Side Effects of the Influenza Vaccine
A common side effect of the injectable influenza vaccine is temporary soreness and redness at the injection site. Nasal sprays can cause nasal congestion and even severe runny nose. Less common side effects of both vaccines may include mild illness, muscle and joint pain, and general symptoms such as fever, irritability, malaise, and headache. If the vaccinated person contracts the virus before immunity develops, they may still get influenza. However, the more severe form of the disease can be avoided.
Influenza Vaccine from Mehiläinen
You can get an influenza vaccination through Mehiläinen. Book an appointment easily online.
Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccine for Children Aged 2-17
For children over two years old, the vaccine can also be administered as a nasal spray.
High-Dose Influenza Vaccine for Those Over 60
The high-dose influenza vaccine is suitable for individuals aged 60 and older.
The test package identifies the most common causes of respiratory infections, including influenza A and B, as well as the RS virus. It also includes the cause of Covid-19, Sars-CoV-2.
Information Article
RS Virus (RSV)
The RS virus is a common virus that causes respiratory infections, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals in risk groups due to their health conditions.
Information Article
Coronavirus and COVID-19
TIETOPAKETIT Viruses belonging to the coronavirus family can cause respiratory infections in humans, ranging from mild colds to more severe diseases.
Information Article
Vitamin D – Recommendations, sources, reference values, and vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is stored in the body during summer, but its concentration decreases during the dark winter months.
Article updated:
21 February 2025