Influenza-like Illness (ILI)

Influenza-like Illness (ILI) refers to a set of symptoms commonly caused by the flu or similar viruses. Typically, it includes a fever plus cough or sore throat, and may also involve chills, body aches, fatigue, and headache. ILI is used by health authorities to identify and monitor outbreaks of respiratory illnesses, especially when specific diagnostic tests are not available. While symptoms resemble the flu, ILI can be caused by various viruses, making it an important but broad indicator of respiratory infections circulating in a community. Proper medical evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.