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
Mental health-related absences reduced by 45% with brief psychotherapy - significant impact on other absences too
A study by Terveystalo* monitored the impact of brief psychotherapy for occupational health clients on sickness absence in 2019-2024.The study found that the use of brief psychotherapy reduced mental health-related sickness absence by 45% and other sickness absence by 19%. The study follows on from a similar study carried out 2 years ago and reinforces the importance of timely access to treatment for mental health symptoms.
3 megatrends challenge wellbeing management and productivity: 'Fear of the paranoid is ever-present for managers'
The megatrends of the working life revolution and the productivity stagnation they are contributing to can be seen as concrete phenomena in Finnish workplaces. In the midst of the turbulence, both management and employees are wondering. But with good strategic leadership and partnership, human efficiency can be achieved.
Menopause is a pricey taboo in the workplace
Are menopause the new glass ceiling? If careers are to be extended and full potential unlocked, the impact of menopausal symptoms on work ability and well-being must be taken seriously. Turning a blind eye is discriminatory and comes at a price.
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.