Influenza, Covid-19 or just a common cold – can you tell the difference between the symptoms and when to see a doctor?
The symptoms of influenza, flu and coronavirus can be very similar. Fortunately, you can also protect yourself against influenza with a vaccine.
Influenza is a rarer and more serious illness than the common cold, the flu. Seasonal influenza is an inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by viruses A and B, while the flu is caused by many different viruses.
– Influenza starts more suddenly and has more severe symptoms than the flu. Typical symptoms include high fever, severe joint pains, fatigue, chills, headache, malaise and severe cough," says Toni Vänni, general practitioner and occupational health specialist at Terveystalo.
Influenza or perhaps a Covid-19 infection?
In a healthy person, the treatment for influenza is usually rest, painkillers and plenty of fluids. If you or someone living in the same household with you is at risk, it may be worth ruling out other illnesses.
– The symptoms of influenza and coronavirus can be very similar. In this case, rapid diagnostics is a handy tool: a swab of mucous membranes or a nasal swab can tell you which virus is present within 20 minutes.
The flu vaccine also protects loved ones
Influenza is easily caught even a few days before symptoms appear.
– Even if you are still healthy, you may already be infected. That's why it's worth getting the flu vaccine, even if you're not in the risk group: this way you can also protect your close ones, such as your children or grandparents, from getting sick," says Vänni.
The flu vaccine also protects you from secondary diseases. In adults, influenza is often accompanied by pneumonia or sinusitis. For people with asthma or emphysema, the flu can worsen their condition and require long-term hospitalisation.
– In children, the most common sequela is otitis media, which follows influenza in up to 40% of children under three," says Toni Vänni.
How do you know when it's time to see a doctor?
- Check your general condition. If you've been feeling otherwise healthy but a sudden high fever puts you to bed for a couple of days, it's a good idea to see a doctor, for example.
- If your underlying conditions are getting worse, it's time to see a doctor. A few days of colds or coughs are nothing to worry about, but breathing difficulties are a sign that the underlying causes of the illness need to be investigated.
- It's always a good idea to get any abnormal symptoms checked out. People get sick in different ways - some have more severe symptoms, others less. If your own symptoms seem unusual and worry you, you may need to see a doctor.
Read more articles
Terveystalo continues to be one of the most attractive places to work in the health and social care sector
Chronic drug addiction during the holidays: how to recognise and address the problem
After the holiday season, many people return to work feeling relaxed, but for some, a long holiday may have triggered a budding addiction. This can make it challenging to break away from substance abuse as everyday life takes its toll. Anita Riipinen, senior occupational health physician at Terveystalo, lists the warning signs that should be discussed with the employee and gives tips on how to talk to them.
Terveystalo tackles long-term illnesses among working-age people - aiming for better work ability and health
According to a study* we commissioned in 2024, a significant proportion of Terveystalo's occupational health customers suffering from chronic long-term illnesses do not follow the national Good Care recommendations for treatment balance. Similar observations have been made this year by the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, whose report** published by the Sydänrekisteri found serious shortcomings in the cholesterol monitoring of heart attack patients in various parts of Finland.
Young people's expectations of equality in working life
Many sectors are looking at ways to tackle skills shortages. In Finland in particular, where baby boomers are moving out of the workforce, organisations are looking at ways to recruit and retain young talent, who expect strong value leadership from their organisations. Equality and equity are key values in modern working life and are also key to the well-being, motivation and productivity of young workers.
Terveystalo and the Eating Disorder Association working together towards responsible and effective solutions
Terveystalo and the Eating Disorders Association have agreed on a cooperation that aims to influence the structures that predispose to disordered eating behaviour in health care and working life and to offer clients multidisciplinary treatment with a positive approach to eating disorders.
True or false: sleep deprivation causes more road accidents than alcohol
True. There is also less awareness of the risk of accidents caused by sleep deprivation, which makes driving while tired insidiously dangerous. What level of drunkenness is equivalent to one night's sleep? Matleena Näppilä, occupational health physician at Terveystalo.