SalamatYarSeasonal influenza is a viral respiratory infection that becomes more common in the colder months and is mostly caused by influenza A and B viruses. Most people recover within a week, but it can be serious for older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions.
Flu or Common Cold?
- Flu: sudden onset, fever and chills, severe body and muscle aches, headache and marked fatigue. A dry cough is common.
- Cold: gradual onset, runny nose, sneezing and a mild sore throat; usually no high fever or severe aches.
- In children, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea can also occur with the flu. Cough and tiredness can linger for two weeks or longer after other symptoms improve.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Complications?
- Adults aged 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Children under 5, especially under 2
- People with diabetes, heart, lung (such as asthma or COPD) or kidney disease
- People with weakened immunity, severe obesity, and health-care workers
The annual vaccine is the most effective way to prevent severe influenza. It is best given before the peak of the cold season and takes about two weeks to provide full protection. Because viruses change every year, the vaccine composition is updated annually. For the 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere season, the WHO recommended A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1), A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2) and B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025 (Victoria) for egg-based vaccines. Ask your doctor or health center which vaccine is available.
Home Care
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Use fever reducers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) as directed. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers.
- Antibiotics do not work against the flu virus; do not take them on your own.
- Stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without fever-reducing medicine, to avoid infecting others.
Antiviral Medicines
A doctor may prescribe an antiviral such as oseltamivir for some patients. It works best when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms; in high-risk or severely ill patients it may still help later. Do not take it without a prescription.
When to Seek Urgent Care
- Adults: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain or pressure, sudden dizziness or confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and fever and cough that return after seeming to improve.
- Children: fast or labored breathing, bluish lips or face, drinking too little, extreme drowsiness or not waking up. Any fever in an infant under 3 months should be checked by a doctor.
- A worsening chronic condition (such as diabetes, asthma or heart failure) is also a reason to seek care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number (115 in Iran).
How to Prevent the Flu
- Get the annual flu vaccine, especially if you are in a high-risk group
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- Wear a mask in crowded, enclosed places or when you are ill
- Ventilate indoor spaces and avoid close contact with sick people
How SalamatYar Helps
- Record temperature and symptoms in your own and your family members’ health files
- Get reminders for medicines and follow-up appointments
- Ask educational questions to the health chatbot
- Book an online doctor visit for early advice, ideally within the first 48 hours of symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No. The common vaccines do not contain live active virus. Some soreness at the injection site or a mild fever for a few days is normal.
Can pregnant women get the vaccine?
Yes. The inactivated flu vaccine is recommended during pregnancy and protects both mother and baby. Talk to your doctor or health-care provider.
What if I am allergic to eggs?
Most people with an egg allergy can be vaccinated, but if your allergy is severe, talk to your doctor before the injection.
How long is the flu contagious?
Usually from about one day before symptoms start to roughly 5 to 7 days after; children and people with weakened immunity may spread the virus for longer.