Influenza Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

In patients presenting with acute febrile respiratory illness, it is important to rule out other viral infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and coronavirus (eg COVID-19). In some cases, influenza may co-exist with bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) should likewise be ruled out in patients manifesting with severe disease.