What's the difference between radiation poisoning and the flu? Symptoms that may initially fool you.

Arab Weather - Many people confuse the symptoms of seasonal influenza with those of radiation poisoning, especially in the early stages of infection. Some physical signs are similar between the two conditions, which can lead to delayed diagnosis, especially in the event of a nuclear accident or radiation leak. In this report, we highlight the essential differences between the two conditions based on information from reliable medical and scientific sources, such as the US National Cancer Institute.

First: What is radiation poisoning?

Radiation poisoning, also known as acute radiation syndrome (ARS), occurs when a person is exposed to a high dose of ionizing radiation over a short period of time, such as minutes or hours. This type of poisoning often results from nuclear accidents, radioactive explosions, or the release of radioactive materials without adequate protection.

Initial symptoms usually begin minutes to hours after exposure and include:

sudden nausea

frequent vomiting

severe headache

diarrhea

general feeling of fatigue and dizziness

These symptoms may subside temporarily during a “latent period,” but they later return more severely, such as:

hair loss

nosebleeds or bleeding gums

Recurrent infections due to weak immunity

a significant decrease in white blood cells

In some cases, internal organ failure or death occurs within weeks.

Second: What is influenza?

Influenza is a seasonal viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that is easily transmitted from person to person. Its symptoms typically begin one to four days after infection and last five to eight days.

Its most prominent symptoms include:

fever and high temperature

Chills and muscle aches

dry or wet cough

nasal and throat congestion

Headache and general fatigue

In some cases: nausea or vomiting, especially in children.

Influenza rarely causes serious complications in healthy people, except for the elderly or those with chronic diseases.

Third: When does confusion occur between the two cases?

Confusion arises in the early stages of symptoms, as radiation poisoning shares some symptoms with influenza, most notably nausea, vomiting, headache, and general fatigue. However, there are three key differences:

Rapid onset of symptoms: In radiation poisoning, symptoms appear within minutes or hours of exposure. In influenza, symptoms appear after an incubation period of 1 to 4 days.

The presence of an external trigger: In the case of poisoning, there is a clear cause, such as a nuclear accident or radiation leak. In the case of influenza, the infection is spread through the air or contact.

Progression: Radiation poisoning progresses to serious complications within days to weeks, while influenza improves gradually in most cases.

Fourth: When should you be concerned and seek medical help?

It is recommended to immediately seek medical attention if sudden symptoms (nausea, vomiting, headache, extreme fatigue) appear within hours of possible exposure to a radiation source, especially in nuclear-related workplaces or in areas close to nuclear facilities.

In the case of influenza, it is preferable to seek help if the fever lasts for more than 3 days, if difficulty breathing occurs, or if there are signs of a lung infection.

Despite the apparent similarity in early symptoms, radiation poisoning poses a completely different health threat than influenza. Prompt diagnosis and differentiation between the two conditions not only saves the patient but also prevents a greater outbreak that could affect the entire community.