<unk> , commonly known as the<unk> , is an infectious disease caused by the RNA virus called the<unk>  viruses A and B, belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae. Common symptoms of<unk>  infection are fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. In more serious cases,<unk>  causes pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly in young children and the elderly. The fever and body aches can last 3-5 days and the cough and lack of energy may last for 2 or more weeks. Sometimes confused with the common cold,<unk>  is a much more severe disease and is caused by a different type of virus. Diagnostic tests available for<unk>  include viral culture, serology, rapid antigen testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence assays, and rapid molecular assays. Sensitivity and specificity of any test for<unk>  might vary by the laboratory that performs the test, the type of test used, and the type of specimen tested.  Among respiratory specimens for viral isolation or rapid detection, nasopharyngeal specimens are typically more effective than throat swab specimens. Antiviral drugs can diminish symptoms and shorten the time of the disease by 1 or 2 days.  They also can prevent serious<unk>  complications, such as pneumonia.  For people at high-risk, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having milder illness instead of very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay. The two main antivirals used in the treatment and prevention of<unk>  are oseltamivir and zanamivir. Symptomatic therapy includes analgesics, antihistamines, decongestants and cough suppressants.
Influenza
Swine influenza
Freshers' Flu
Avian influenza
Pertussis
Rubella
Anthrax
COVID-19-associated nausea and vomiting