Influenza
Influenza (also known as the flu) is an acute viral illness that spreads in the form of outbreaks, epidemics, or even pandemics.
Influenza is a severe respiratory infectious disease that causes 40,000 to 220,000 deaths worldwide each year. In Estonia, over 10,000 people contract influenza annually, of whom nearly 1,000 are hospitalized. Of these, about 9% require intensive care and 5% die.
Anyone can get the flu, but it is most common among children because they spend a lot of time together and often do not follow hygiene guidelines.
The flu can be severe at any age, but older adults and people with chronic illnesses are at the highest risk of complications and hospitalization.
Fortunately, it is possible to protect yourself against the flu with vaccination. Since the flu virus is constantly changing and new strains of the disease are constantly emerging, the flu vaccine is updated every season. Therefore, you must get vaccinated again every year.
You can find flu statistics on the Health Board website.
Symptoms and complications
The incubation period for the flu is on average 3–7 days. A person becomes contagious one day before symptoms appear, and the contagious period lasts up to 7 days (up to 21 days in young children).
The most common symptoms are:
- sudden onset of illness,
- high fever (38 °C or higher),
- chills and fatigue,
- cough, headache, sore throat, or muscle aches.
Difficulty breathing and diarrhea may also occur.
The symptoms of the flu do not differ much from those of other viral upper respiratory tract infections, but the flu can lead to serious complications. People in high-risk groups are particularly at risk.
The incubation period for the flu is on average 3–7 days. A person becomes contagious one day before symptoms appear, and the contagious period lasts up to 7 days (up to 21 days in young children).
The most common symptoms are:
- sudden onset of illness,
- high fever (38 °C or higher),
- chills and fatigue,
- cough, headache, sore throat, or muscle aches.
Difficulty breathing and diarrhea may also occur.
The symptoms of the flu do not differ much from those of other viral upper respiratory tract infections, but the flu can lead to serious complications. People in high-risk groups are particularly at risk.
The most common complications are:
- pneumonia,
- bronchitis,
- pharyngitis,
- sinusitis,
- otitis media,
- pyelonephritis,
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Complications of the flu can be fatal.
The most common complications are:
- pneumonia,
- bronchitis,
- pharyngitis,
- sinusitis,
- otitis media,
- pyelonephritis,
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Complications of the flu can be fatal.
Prevention and Treatment
The best way to prevent the flu is vaccination.
If you get sick:
- get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- For antiviral treatment, use prescription medications prescribed by a doctor.
- For treating symptoms (fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, etc.), use over-the-counter medications from a pharmacy.
General recommendations for caring for a flu patient at home can be found on the Health Board’s website.
Important to know!
Free flu vaccinations are available for:
- residents of long-term care facilities,
- all people over 60 years of age,
- pregnant women,
- children up to 7 years of age,
- and minors in the flu risk group.
You can get vaccinated at your family doctor’s office, at a pharmacy offering vaccinations, or at a vaccination clinic.
From autumn 2026, the flu vaccine will also be free for adults with a chronic condition that increases their risk of developing a severe case of the flu. If you are aged 18–59 and have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, you are eligible for a free vaccination.
Detailed information on at-risk groups (PDF, EST)(Opens in new tab)
Important to know!
Free flu vaccinations are available for:
- residents of long-term care facilities,
- all people over 60 years of age,
- pregnant women,
- children up to 7 years of age,
- and minors in the flu risk group.
You can get vaccinated at your family doctor’s office, at a pharmacy offering vaccinations, or at a vaccination clinic.
From autumn 2026, the flu vaccine will also be free for adults with a chronic condition that increases their risk of developing a severe case of the flu. If you are aged 18–59 and have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, you are eligible for a free vaccination.
Detailed information on at-risk groups (PDF, EST)(Opens in new tab)
When to get vaccinated?
You can get vaccinated against the flu throughout the season, but the best protection comes from getting vaccinated before the peak season (October through December). Immunity develops within two weeks after vaccination.
When to get vaccinated?
You can get vaccinated against the flu throughout the season, but the best protection comes from getting vaccinated before the peak season (October through December). Immunity develops within two weeks after vaccination.