The flu, particularly the Influenza A strain, has an unofficial reputation for being “worse than COVID” for many who catch it. During the pandemic, COVID took the spotlight, but influenza A remains a serious and debilitating illness that many dread. This article will look at why Flu A is so feared, how it differs from COVID-19 and Flu B, and the surprising, lesser-known symptoms you need to watch out for.
Is It “Worse Than COVID”? The Subjective Severity
The claim that the flu is “worse than COVID” is subjective and often refers to the acute experience of the illness. While COVID-19 is known for its high infectivity, potential for severe long-term complications (Long COVID), and higher overall mortality rate, Influenza A is notorious for the sudden, severe onset and intensity of its initial symptoms.
- Abrupt Onset: The flu typically hits like a truck. A person can feel fine one moment and be completely incapacitated hours later, which can feel more jarring and immediately debilitating than the often-gradual onset of COVID-19.
- Intensity of Common Symptoms: Flu often causes higher fevers and more profound body aches (myalgia) than many COVID-19 cases, leading to greater acute misery and a feeling of being completely “knocked out.”
Influenza A vs. COVID-19 and Influenza B: Key Differences
To understand the unique threat of Influenza A, it helps to compare it directly with its viral cousins, COVID-19 and Influenza B.
Severity and Epidemic Risk
- Influenza A: Carries a high risk for pandemics (e.g., H1N1, H3N2) and causes a significant burden of severe seasonal illness.
- COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): Known for its high transmissibility and the potential for severe illness across a wide population; it was the cause of the recent global pandemic.
- Influenza B: Typically causes milder seasonal epidemics, and often affects children more than adults.
Ages Affected
- Influenza A: Affects all ages, but is often most severe in the very young and the elderly.
- COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): Affects all ages, showing a wide range of illness severity from asymptomatic to life-threatening.
- Influenza B: Affects all ages, but is often the dominant strain seen in school-aged children during a season.
Other Types of Influenza: C and D
While A and B cause the seasonal epidemics you get vaccinated against, there are two other types:
- Influenza C: Causes mild respiratory illness and is not thought to cause epidemics. It is not included in the standard flu vaccine.
- Influenza D: Primarily affects cattle and other animals. It is not known to infect or cause illness in humans.
Lesser-Known Symptoms of Influenza A
The defining feature of a severe Influenza A infection is the widespread systemic inflammation, which can manifest in surprisingly diverse ways. It is these unusual symptoms that often lead to the most confusion and worry.
Symptoms in Small Children 👶
The severe fever and rapid onset in children can trigger neurological and muscular symptoms:
- Febrile Hallucinations: High fevers can induce vivid, frightening hallucinations or delirium in small children. Parents may mistake this for a more severe neurological issue, but it is typically a transient, fever-driven symptom.
- Atypical Seizures (Febrile Seizures): While not exclusive to the flu, the rapid temperature spikes common with Influenza A increase the risk of temporary, fever-induced seizures in susceptible children.
- Severe Leg Aches (Myositis): Children may complain of intense pain in their legs (myalgia or myositis), sometimes so bad they refuse to walk. This is a sign of the virus aggressively attacking muscle tissue.
Surprising Symptoms in Adults 🧍
While most adults experience the classic cough, fever, and fatigue, severe Influenza A can present with atypical symptoms, particularly in the elderly or those with underlying conditions:
- Dizziness and Vertigo: A significant drop in blood pressure and systemic inflammation can lead to severe dizziness or vertigo, increasing the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: While not the primary symptom, some strains of Influenza A (like H3N2) can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea alongside the respiratory symptoms, making it easily confused with a “stomach bug.”
- Exacerbated Chronic Conditions: In adults with conditions like COPD or heart failure, the flu’s inflammatory burden can present as sudden, severe deterioration of their existing illness (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain) rather than a simple cold.
Fight The Flu
The common flu is anything but common, and Influenza A is a reminder of the raw power of viral pathogens. While COVID-19 has necessitated new awareness, we shouldn’t forget the intensity and potential complications of a severe flu infection. Recognising its hallmark severe symptoms—and being aware of the lesser-known ones like leg aches and hallucinations—is the first step toward prompt medical care and, most importantly, emphasises the continued importance of the annual flu vaccine for protection.
