What influenza is and how it differs from a cold
Influenza (the flu) is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It spreads through droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, and through hands and surfaces. Outbreaks usually come in the cold season, and the viruses change a little every year, which is why the seasonal vaccine is updated annually.
The flu differs from a common cold by its sudden start and heavier illness. A cold is mostly a runny nose and a scratchy throat, while the flu brings high fever and body aches.
Flu symptoms
One to four days after infection, fever rises suddenly, with a dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and marked fatigue. A runny nose can occur but is usually milder. Most people recover within a week, though tiredness can linger. Children more often have fever, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Who is at risk and what the complications are
The flu hits harder in pregnant women, young children, adults over 65, people with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Health workers catch it more often because of frequent exposure. Complications include viral and bacterial pneumonia, worsening of chronic conditions, heart problems and ear infections in children. Bacterial pneumonia is often caused by pneumococcus, so doctors sometimes discuss vaccination against both infections.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis is often made from symptoms and the time of year; a rapid test or PCR is used when needed. Most healthy people need bed rest, plenty of fluids and fever reducers as advised by a doctor. Antibiotics do not work on viruses and are used only for bacterial complications. Children and teenagers with the flu should not be given aspirin.
Antiviral medicines matter most for people at high risk or with severe illness, and work best when started as early as possible. Only a doctor prescribes them, with a regimen and dose set individually.
Flu vaccine in Georgia
Vaccination is the most reliable way to reduce the risk of severe flu. It is recommended every year because the viruses change and protection wanes. WHO advises vaccination for pregnant women, young children, older adults, people with chronic conditions and health workers.
In Georgia, seasonal flu vaccination takes place in the fall. The national calendar order (No. 01-60/n, version of July 13, 2023) recommends the vaccine from 6 months of age, above all for people over 65, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and children and older people in residential institutions; it is mandatory for health workers. The state buys flu vaccine every year under the immunization program, and the NCDC decides before each campaign who gets it free that season, so ask your polyclinic about the current terms. It is best to get vaccinated before cases start to rise.
Clinics offer products such as Vaxigrip (including the 2026/27 seasonal version), Vaxigrip Tetra and Influvac Tetra. They come from different manufacturers, but the principle is the same: one dose per season. Young children getting a flu vaccine for the first time usually need two doses; a pediatrician will advise on the schedule. Vaccine prices at clinics in Georgia are listed further down this page.
Postpone the shot if you have a high fever or an acute illness, and tell your doctor about any severe allergy to vaccine components, including egg protein, or severe reactions to past vaccines.
How to avoid catching and spreading the flu
- wash your hands with soap and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
- cough into your elbow or a tissue and throw the tissue away;
- stay home while you have a fever, and keep a sick child out of school or kindergarten;
- ventilate rooms, and consider a mask in crowded places during peak season.
When to see a doctor urgently
- shortness of breath, fast or labored breathing, chest pain or pressure;
- fever lasting more than three days, or returning after you felt better;
- confusion, severe drowsiness, seizures or bluish lips;
- signs of dehydration: no urine, or a child who refuses to drink;
- you are pregnant, over 65 or have a chronic illness and have flu symptoms.
