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The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. While anyone can get sick with the flu, certain groups are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, such as people 65 and older, pregnant women, and children under five. In addition to typical symptoms like fever and congestion, the flu can also cause muscle aches and joint pain due to the body's immune response. This pain, known as myalgia, is a common feature of viral illnesses and can be frustrating for those with existing joint or bone issues. In some cases, the flu may lead to a more severe condition called myositis, which involves muscle inflammation and pain. Myositis typically occurs during the recovery phase of the illness and can affect muscle strength and mobility. While myositis usually resolves within a week, it's important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, as they could indicate a more significant underlying issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Influenza type | Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza B |
| Influenza-related condition | Myositis (muscle inflammation and pain) |
| Influenza-related muscle pain | Myalgia |
| Muscle weakness | Myositis |
| Muscle inflammation | Myositis |
| Muscle injury | Rhabdomyolysis |
| Muscle spasms | Calf muscle cramps |
| Influenza transmission | Through the nose, throat, and lungs |
| Influenza risk factors | Age (65+), chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease), pregnancy, children under 5 |
| Treatment for myositis | Immunosuppressant drugs, IV fluids, antibiotics (in case of bacterial infection) |
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What You'll Learn
Influenza-related myositis
Myositis is a disease of muscle inflammation that typically results in muscular injury. Influenza is the most common viral cause of myositis, followed by HIV and enteroviral infections. Myositis is associated with muscle pain and elevated muscle enzymes during convalescence. Although rare, the progression of viral myositis to rhabdomyolysis can be life-threatening.
Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a rare transient muscle syndrome that occurs in children during influenza outbreaks and epidemics. It is characterised by severe bilateral calf pain that can make walking difficult. BACM is typically preceded by symptoms of a viral influenza upper respiratory infection (URI), such as fever, malaise, cough, sore throat, headache, and rhinitis. Clinical recovery from BACM is expected within three days, and hospitalisation is rarely required.
In adults, influenza-related myositis typically presents with acute onset of muscle weakness, pain, and tenderness during the recovery phase of the virus. Laboratory findings may show mildly to moderately elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, which resolve along with the patient's symptoms within one week with supportive care. Influenza-related myositis may have atypical characteristics depending on the influenza strain, and it can affect both upper and lower extremities.
While influenza-related myositis is typically a rare complication, it is important to recognise that it can occur during influenza outbreaks and may present with varying characteristics depending on the influenza strain. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility when managing patients during influenza outbreaks, particularly in those presenting with muscle pain and weakness.
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Muscle inflammation and pain
Myositis can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, with viral infections being the most common cause. In the case of influenza, the common cold, and HIV, viruses can attack muscle tissue directly or release substances that damage muscle fibres. Myositis can also be caused by certain medications or drugs, which can cause temporary muscle damage. If inflammation is not an obvious symptom, doctors may refer to the problem as myopathy, a more general term for diseases that affect skeletal muscles.
The diagnosis of influenza-induced myositis can be challenging and is often overlooked as clinicians focus on treating the underlying viral infection without considering its complications. However, a high index of suspicion is required when patients present with a history of illness consistent with influenza, along with myalgia, physical examination findings of muscle tenderness, and laboratory evidence of muscle injury. Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing myositis, as high levels of muscle enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) can indicate muscle inflammation. Other blood tests can also check for abnormal antibodies that may suggest an autoimmune condition.
The treatment for myositis depends on its underlying cause. When myositis is caused by an inflammatory condition, immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed. In most cases of infection-induced myositis, specific treatment is not required, and the condition resolves on its own. However, bacterial myositis requires antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. Rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious complication of myositis, can lead to permanent kidney damage and often requires hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous fluids. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve muscle flexibility and strength.
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Joint pain
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. In the 2019-2020 flu season, nearly 56 million cases of influenza were reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In many of those cases, the virus was accompanied by muscle and joint aches. The joint pain associated with the flu is usually temporary and should subside once the body fights off the infection. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, there may be a more significant underlying issue. People who are 65 years and older, have certain chronic medical conditions, are pregnant, or are children younger than 5 years old are at a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications.
In some cases, the flu can lead to a condition called myositis, which is characterized by muscle inflammation and pain. Myositis is a rare complication of the flu, but it has been observed in some patients during the recovery phase of the illness. It is typically associated with muscle pain and weakness, with elevated levels of serum creatine kinase (CK). Calf muscle cramps, in particular, are a well-recognized complication of the B strain of the flu. Myositis can usually resolve within one to two weeks with supportive care, but in rare cases, it can progress to rhabdomyolysis, a serious complication that can lead to permanent kidney damage.
It is important to note that joint pain can also be caused by other factors, such as strain injuries or ordinary illnesses like colds. If you are experiencing persistent or severe joint pain, it is always best to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Muscle weakness
The flu virus triggers body aches and pain by causing inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation is a result of the body's immune response to the virus. When infected by a virus, the body mounts an immune response, sending antibodies to seek out and attack the virus, blocking it from spreading further. This immune response can lead to inflammation in the muscles and joints, causing muscle weakness and pain.
This inflammation-induced muscle weakness is known as myositis. Myositis is characterised by muscle pain and weakness, often with elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. It is a rare condition that typically occurs during the recovery phase of an illness, most commonly influenza. Myositis can affect people of all ages, but it is more commonly seen in younger populations following influenza infection.
The B strain of the flu is particularly associated with calf muscle cramps and myositis. In addition to muscle weakness, myositis can also cause muscle pain, tenderness, and tightness. In most cases, myositis resolves within one to two weeks with supportive care, including IV fluids and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
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Myalgia
In some cases, myalgia can be a symptom of a more serious condition. For example, acute viral myositis is a rare condition that occurs during the recovery phase of an illness, most commonly influenza. It is characterised by muscle pain and weakness, with elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. Additionally, calf muscle cramps and myositis are well-recognised complications of the B strain of influenza.
Most types of muscle pain can be treated at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. If home care does not relieve your myalgia, you may need to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle pain and inflammation are common symptoms of the flu. This is called myositis, and it can cause muscle spasms and weakness.
When the body is infected with a virus, the immune system works to fight the infection. This immune response causes inflammation in muscles and joints, leading to pain and spasms.
If you experience muscle spasms or pain due to the flu, it is important to stay hydrated and seek medical advice if concerned. In most cases, the pain will subside once the body has fought off the infection.
Muscle pain and spasms are a well-recognized complication of the flu, especially with the B strain. In the 2019-2020 flu season, nearly 56 million cases of influenza were reported, and many of those cases involved muscle aches and spasms.
