Department of Health and Kinesiology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
Opinion Article
Influenza Symptoms Range from Mild to Severe after Exposure to the
Virus
Author(s): Michael Thomas*
The time from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms, called the incubation period, is 1 to 4 days, most commonly 1 to 2 days. However, many infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms are sudden onset and the initial symptoms are almost non-specific, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, malaise, loss of appetite, energy/malaise, and confusion. These symptoms are usually accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat and dry throat, hoarseness, stuffy nose and runny nose. Cough is the most common symptom. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastroenteritis can also occur, especially in children. Normal flu symptoms usually last 2 to 8 days. A 2021 study suggests that influenza can cause long-term symptoms as well as long-term COVID. .. View more»