How can I tell the difference between the flu, inhalation anthrax or other common respiratory illnesses?
The anthrax bacterium, the influenza virus and a number of other common respiratory viruses and bacteria can all cause a “flu-like illness.” A flu-like illness consists of fever, headache, sore muscles, runny nose, sore throat and cough. Many people experience a flu-like illness, especially in the winter. It is important to remember that most cases of flu-like illness are not caused by either influenza or anthrax, but are, in fact, caused by one of the many other germs that circulate in the community, especially in winter. Persons with inhalation anthrax are likely to have chest pain, difficulty breathing, and nausea and vomiting. They are less likely to have a stuffy head, runny nose or sore throat. If a person has a flu-like illness for a week or more without getting worse, it probably is not inhalation anthrax. In most cases the flu looks and acts like the flu, and most people who have had the flu in the past will recognize the usual symptoms. It is important to remember that if a p
