Influenza C

Influenza C

Influenza C usually causes mild illness as compared to type A and B. This form of influenza is transmitted from person to person via contagious droplets that are spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It's very common but rarely causes disease symptoms.

The flu usually begins abruptly, with a fever between 102 to 106°F (with adults on the lower end of the spectrum). Common symptoms may include a flushed face, body aches, and lack of energy. Some people have dizziness or vomiting. The fever usually lasts for a day or two, but can last up to 5 days as well.

Somewhere between day 2 and day 4 of the illness, the "whole body" symptoms begin to subside, and respiratory symptoms begin to increase. The virus can settle anywhere in the respiratory tract, producing symptoms of a cold, croup, sore throat, bronchitis, ear infection, or pneumonia.

The most prominent of the respiratory symptoms is usually a dry, hacking cough. Most people also develop sore throat and a headache. Nasal discharge and sneezing are very common and these symptoms Cough and tiredness usually last for weeks after the rest of the illness is over.

The most common way to catch the flu is by inhaling droplets from coughs or sneezes. Less often, it is spread when you touch a surface such as a faucet handle or phone that has the virus on it, and then touch your own mouth, nose, or eyes as the ailment is very contagious by nature.