Flu: Signs of Bacterial Infection

British Columbia Specific Information

Influenza is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and can include fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat or cough. Influenza vaccines protect against the viruses that cause influenza. To learn more about influenza vaccines and to access influenza-related information from your health authority, visit Influenza (flu) season.

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Overview

A bacterial infection may develop following infection with viral influenza. Signs of a bacterial infection include:

  • Feeling short of breath.
  • A fever that doesn't go away.
  • A cough that lingers more than 7 to 10 days after other symptoms have cleared, especially if it is bringing up mucus (productive).
  • Yellow, green, rust-coloured, or bloody mucus that is coughed up from the lungs, especially while other symptoms are getting worse.
  • Sinus, throat, or ear pain that is new or doesn't go away.

These infections may sometimes need treatment with antibiotics.

Credits

Current as of: October 31, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Christine Hahn MD - Epidemiology