Influenza: Causes, Symptoms, Vaccination & Treatment

A woman wrapped in a gray blanket coughs into her fist while holding a mug beside a window, looking unwell and chilled at home.

In this post, we discuss influenza, how it spreads, its symptoms and complications, and how it can be prevented with regular vaccinations.

What is Influenza?

  • How it Spreads

    When someone infected with influenza coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets of saliva and mucus carrying the virus travel through the air and can be breathed in by other people.

    Influenza can also spread when a person touches a surface infected with influenza and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

    People with influenza may be able to infect others 1 day before symptoms appear, and for 5-7 days after getting sick.

  • Flu Season in Thailand

    An open hand catches falling rain, droplets splashing across the palm against a lush, blurred green background, creating a fresh, peaceful mood.

    Influenza remains active year-round in Thailand and peaks during rainy season (June-October, or October-December in southern regions like Koh Samui). It peaks again during the colder, dryer months (January-March).

    People are more likely to stay indoors together during rainy season which increases the spread of influenza. This is one of the reasons why Thailand's flu season coincides with its rainy season.

Symptoms of Influenza

  • Common Symptoms

    A sick woman sits on a sofa wrapped in a blanket and scarf, eyes closed as she sneezes into a tissue, conveying discomfort and cold symptoms.

    Symptoms usually occur within 1-4 days from the time a person is first infected with influenza.

    Common symptoms of influenza include:
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Coughing & Sneezing
    • Runny Nose or Congestion
    • Sore Throat
    • Muscle Aches
    • Weakness & Fatigue
    • Loss of Appetite

  • Vulnerable Groups

    An older Asian couple sits close together on a sofa, smiling warmly as the man embraces his wife in a bright, cozy living room.

    Serious complications from influenza are rare but can occur, especially in vulnerable people. Those at higher risk of developing complications include:

    • People over the age of 65
    • Children under 2 years old
    • Pregnant women
    • People with weakened immune systems
    • People with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
    • People who are overweight or obese

    Complications of influenza include pneumonia, worsening of underlying respiratory and cardiac conditions, worsening of chronic health conditions, and more. Influenza has the potential to be life-threatening.

Protection Against Influenza

  • Hygiene

    A person scrubs soapy hands under a running faucet in a sink, with a bottle of hand soap nearby, conveying a clean, hygienic routine.

    Practicing good hygiene is an easy way to reduce your risk of influenza and other contagious diseases. It is recommended to wash your hands frequently and after touching public surfaces, or coming into contact with sick people.

    It is also recommended to maintain distance from sick people and to limit time spent with them in close quarters.

    If you must be near someone who is sick, consider having both of you wear a mask, avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, and wash your hands afterward.

  • Vaccination

    A smiling woman in a white blouse looks at her upper arm as a healthcare worker in blue gloves gives her a vaccine in a bright clinic.

    Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza. Vaccines reduce your risk of getting influenza, and reduce the chance of complications if you get the disease.

    Experts recommend that everyone aged 6 months and older should receive an influenza vaccine every flu season.

    There are rare exceptions where influenza vaccination is not suitable for some people. Consider consulting with a doctor before getting vaccinated if you have vaccine allergies or underlying health conditions.

  • Influvac Tetra

    Influvac Tetra is an influenza vaccine available at Maenam Medical Clinic. This vaccine provides protection against 4 strains of influenza and is updated each flu season to target the most common strains.

    Book your influenza vaccine at Maenam Medical Clinic today to protect yourself this flu season.

    Book Now
    THB 1,000

Treatment for Influenza

  • At-Home Treatment

    Most people recover from influenza on their own. To ensure recovery, it is recommended to:

    • Rest at home and avoid physical activity
    • Stay hydrated
    • Treat fever and muscle aches with paracetamol
    • Avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the disease

  • Medical Treatment

    At Maenam Medical Clinic we can treat influenza and a range of other common illnesses. We can provide:

    • Rapid testing to confirm diagnosis
    • Doctor consultation to assess your condition
    • IV fluids to restore hydration and electrolyte balance
    • Antiviral medication
    • Medication to treat and reduce symptoms
    • Laboratory testing
    • Follow-up treatment if needed

    If you are feeling unwell, walk in or book a general consultation at our clinic today.

    General Consultation

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