ILI (Influenza-like Illness)

Influenza-like illness (ILI) refers to a set of symptoms commonly associated with the flu, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. It’s a clinical diagnosis used by healthcare providers to identify potential influenza cases based on these symptoms, especially during flu season or outbreaks. While ILI suggests a possible flu infection, it can also be caused by other respiratory viruses. Diagnosis often involves symptom evaluation and sometimes lab tests. Recognizing ILI helps in monitoring disease spread and guiding public health responses, but it does not confirm influenza without specific testing.