ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Seasonal Influenza

What is seasonal influenza?

23 January 2026

This is a viral illness of sudden onset that affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and lungs. Children, older adults, people with a depressed immune system, or those with chronic diseases are the most vulnerable groups to contract the flu, as it is also known.

Influenza viruses, which travel through the air via body fluids expelled by someone who sneezes, coughs, or speaks, can remain alive on objects and surfaces for up to 24 hours. Furthermore, they constantly mutate, creating new strains. Therefore, the best way to protect oneself is by getting vaccinated every year with the updated vaccine for that season, thereby generating antibodies that help prevent the infection or reduce its severity.

Signs and symptoms Seasonal Influenza

The characteristic symptoms manifest between two and three days after contagion:

  • Fatigue.
  • Weakness.
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose.
  • Headache.
  • Sore throat.
  • Aches in bones (bone pain).
  • Sore muscles (myalgia).
  • Episodes of chills.
  • Sweating.
  • Sneezing.
  • High temperature (fever).
  • Breathing problems.
  • Coughing fits.

Risk and Complications of Seasonal Inlfuenza:

  • Bronchitis.
  • Ear infections.
  • Respiratory failure.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Heart conditions.

Diagnosis and treatment Seasonal Influenza

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request a PCR test to identify the influenza strain you have and rule out co-infection with COVID-19, which can occur simultaneously.

If deemed necessary, they may request chest X-rays and other imaging studies to assess whether the virus has affected your lungs.

The treatment will depend on the severity of the case. Sometimes you may only require rest and drinking plenty of fluids, but if the infection is more serious or you are at higher risk of complications, your doctor may prescribe:

  • Analgesics (Pain relievers).
  • Antivirals.
  • Nasal sprays.
  • Antibiotics, in case of a secondary bacterial infection.
  • Vitamin C.

In the Internal Medicine Department at Centro Médico ABC, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, including both chronic-degenerative conditions and acute cases, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Seasonal Influenza

Cancer Center
Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • paho.org
  • who.int
  • cigna.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Solórzano SF. Vacuna de Influenza en la pandemia de COVID 19. Enf Infec Microbiol. 2020;40(3):73-74.
  • Vega-Sánchez JC, Bravo-Madrigal J. Influenza estacional y la baja efectividad de las vacunas contra estos virus. Sal Jal. 2017;4(1):57-69.
  • Cordova-Villalobos JA, Macias AE, Hernandez-Avila M, et al. The 2009 pandemic in Mexico: Experience and lessons regarding national preparedness policies for seasonal and epidemic influenza. Gac Med Mex. 2017;153(1):102-110.
  • Rubio DS. Influenza. Enfermería Universitaria. 2009;6(5):5-6.

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