Everything You Need to Know About the Teflon Flu

If you’ve been paying attention to the news in the last few days, you may have heard about the Teflon Flu. As we’re still less than five years withdrawn from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that changed our world forever, it’s natural to have some fears when it comes to hearing about a new flu.

However, the Teflon flu is not an airborne illness, nor is it a “virus” in the most traditional sense of the word. Instead, the Teflon flu may be caused by some of the items that you use every day.

One of the most dangerous aspects of any type of illness is misinformation. With that in mind, you can find the things you need to know about the Teflon flu, its causes, symptoms, and more today.

What is the Teflon Flu?

The technical name for the Teflon flu is polymer fume fever. Over the last 20 years, poison control centers in the United States report that they’ve received some 3,600 reports from people who believe they have this flu, which may originate from nonstick cooking utensils.

Since Teflon is the brand name of the material that makes these nonstick utensils work as well as they do, the illness has been nicknamed the Teflon flu.

In 2023, there were 267 reported cases of this illness. According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and local position control hotlines, this number represents the highest number of reported cases ever.

However, it’s important to note that reported cases are not the same as confirmed cases. Since everyone has access to poison control hotlines, it’s impossible to verify every reported case of Teflon flu. The only official diagnosis of this illness must come from a healthcare provider.

Teflon, like most other types of nonstick pots and pans, contains polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as PFE. These substances belong to a larger class of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” a name they received because of their ability to function at their best for years.

Countless studies have been performed on nonstick pans over the years, and most of those studies point to the majority of these pans being completely safe for use. This is great news, especially for those who like to cook at home. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use these items with care.

Studies also indicate that when nonstick pans reach temperatures higher than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, they may start degrading, which leads to them emitting potentially harmful fumes.

According to Jamie Alan, Ph.D., who works as a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, “Nonstick pans in general are sometimes coated with forever chemicals.

When these are heated to a very high temperature —over 500 degrees Fahrenheit—the coating can become volatile and people can inhale PFAS (forever chemicals) fumes.”

What Causes Teflon Flu?

Breathing the fumes that come from these overheated, nonstick pans is one of the leading causes of Teflon flu. However, it’s not the only cause.

According to researchers, welders who spend a lot of time inhaling the fumes that are formed when their high-temperature torches come in contact with metal are also susceptible to the disease.

Workers who do not utilize the proper equipment are more likely to experience symptoms, which we will discuss in a moment. Additionally, people who weld or work with metals exposed to high temperatures in a space without proper ventilation are more prone to develop Teflon flu.

Finally, being exposed to burning plastic has been shown to cause Teflon flu. Fortunately, burning plastic isn’t something that many people encounter in the course of their daily work duties.

However, if you’re camping or having a bonfire, it’s a good idea to avoid adding anything plastic to the fire. While a single exposure may not lead to Teflon flu, it’s unsafe and not environmentally friendly, and any avoidable exposure is something to stay away from.

Doctors agree that when chemicals are inhaled into the lungs, whether they’re the result of an overheated nonstick pan or unsafe conditions in the workplace for welders, the body tries to eliminate the foreign substance from the lungs. This is what sparks the flu-like symptoms that we’ll discuss in more detail in a moment.

What are the Symptoms of the Teflon Flu?

Teflon flu symptoms largely mirror traditional flu symptoms, which is both good and bad news. For most people, flu-like symptoms aren’t life-threatening, and simply managing them is enough to get through the life of the virus.

However, flu symptoms are dangerous for elderly people, those with certain pre-existing conditions, and children. Additionally, since Teflon flu symptoms mirror traditional flu symptoms so closely, many people experience the virus without ever actually realizing it.

As is the case with any type of virus, you’ll likely notice a fever before anything else. According to experts, the fever doesn’t usually start until six to 12 hours after exposure, and in some cases, patients have reported not having a fever for 24 hours.

Many people also report experiencing respiratory issues, which makes perfect sense, as the flu generally stems from inhaling overheated chemicals. Tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, or a persistent, dry cough, all of which are signs of the flu and the COVID-19 virus, are also symptoms of the Teflon flu.

In some instances, patients have reported gastrointestinal issues including vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are less frequent than any of the other symptoms associated with the Teflon flu.

Finally, Teflon flu patients also report dealing with body aches, muscle pain, joint pain, and general fatigue. These symptoms are typically more pronounced when the patient’s fever is higher.

Is There a Cure for Teflon Flu?

As is the case with other flu, there is no definitive cure for the Teflon flu. However, researchers, epidemiologists, and other experts have provided some insight into what patients should do if they have this illness.

The first step is to get away from the source that’s causing it.

According to research, patients who have the Teflon flu may experience a decrease in their symptoms when they’re not exposed to the substance that triggers it, but those symptoms often return shortly after resumed exposure. Avoiding the substance that led to the diagnosis is the most effective way to combat the illness.

If you have the Teflon flu, you should also take extra care to stay hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms or fever.

In addition to getting plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the symptoms. Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider to make sure that you’re only taking medications that are safe with your other medications and existing health issues.

Finally, be sure to get plenty of rest. A virus is an attack on your body and one of the most effective ways to combat it is to let your body rest.

What It All Means

Ultimately, the Teflon flu is not new, nor is it on the international pandemic levels of some of the other viruses that we have dealt with in recent years.

By practicing basic safety practices, whether at work or at home, you can mitigate your risk of catching this virus.