Flu: Signs of Bacterial Infection

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-colored, 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 for Flu: Signs of Bacterial Infection

Current as of: October 31, 2022

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

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