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The Hidden Truth About Flu-Like Symptoms: What Disease Are They Related To
As the seasons change, people often experience influenza-like symptoms (ILI), which include fever, chills, cough, body aches, etc., which are often associated with the flu. However, ILI is not just influenza, but covers a range of possible illnesses. Causes of flu-like symptoms can range from the common cold to serious health conditions, such as severe pneumonia and sepsis. This article will take a closer look at what ILI is, what causes it, and how it relates to other hidden diseases.
Definition and epidemiology of ILI
According to the World Health Organization's definition, patients with influenza-like symptoms must have fever (≥38°C) and cough, which occurred within the past ten days. It is important to note that a diagnosis of ILI does not mean that the patient is definitely infected with the influenza virus. In the United States, adults may experience 1 to 3 ILIs per year, while children may experience 3 to 6. These data demonstrate the prevalence of ILI; however, the vast majority of cases are due to other viruses.
Influenza and ILI Association
Technically, any clinical diagnosis of influenza is considered a diagnosis of ILI rather than a confirmed diagnosis of influenza. <\/p>
Most cases of ILI are mild and self-limited illnesses and are not cause for alarm.
Of course, we cannot ignore that during the peak of the epidemic, the proportion of influenza in ILI cases may rise to 60-70%. However, even during flu season, CDC data suggest that the actual cause of most ILIs is still likely to be other viruses.
Other possible causes of ILI
In addition to influenza, ILI can be caused by a variety of other viruses and bacteria, and even side effects of medications. These reasons include:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Early HIV infection
- Infections caused by bacteria (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae)
- Flu-like symptoms caused by certain types of medicines (such as chemotherapy drugs)
In addition, vaccination can sometimes cause flu-like symptoms, complicating diagnosis. Since 2020, the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has also become one of the main sources of infection causing ILI.
ILI Diagnosis Process
The diagnostic process for ILI usually relies on clinical evaluation and epidemiological information, which includes knowledge of other recent patients and the patient's own health history. If necessary, laboratory and imaging tests may be done to confirm the cause. It is worth mentioning that the use of tests such as particle polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can help quickly identify the source of infection and reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Diagnostic Challenges in Rare Cases
In rare cases, ILI can be confused with a more dangerous illness, such as anthrax infection or leukemia. These situations require a more careful evaluation by your doctor to prevent misdiagnosis. However, such cases are relatively rare, but they highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis.
ILI in Horses
Interestingly, ILI is not limited to humans; certain horses may also experience similar symptoms after vaccination. These horses can usually recover quickly with mild exercise and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
In summary, influenza-like symptoms is a relatively broad diagnostic concept and is not limited to influenza. With the diverse array of infectious diseases and other factors that cause flu-like symptoms, proper diagnosis becomes critical. In the face of the challenges of epidemics, are you also ready to further understand and resist these health threats?
