Flu Information  Print Friendly  Influenza in Primary
Immunodeficiency (2013-2014 Season)  Typical influenza disease
is characterized by abrupt onset of fever, aching muscles, sore
throat, and non-productive cough. Additional symptoms may
include runny nose, headache, a burning sensation in the chest,
and eye pain and sensitivity to light. Typical influenza disease
does not occur in every infected person. Someone who has been
previously exposed to similar virus strains (through natural
infection or vaccination) is less likely to develop serious
clinical illness. Although many people think of influenza as the
“flu” or just a common cold, it is really a specific and serious
respiratory disease that can result in hospitalization and
death.  The most frequent complication of influenza is bacterial
pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is a less common complication but has
a high fatality rate. Other complications include inflammation
of the heart and worsening of pulmonary diseases (e.g.,
bronchitis). Reye’s syndrome is a c