- fever* or feeling feverish/chills.
- cough.
- sore throat.
- runny or stuffy nose.
- muscle or body aches.
- headaches.
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Symptoms
If you're an adult, call your doctor if:
- You're not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours
- You've been vomiting for more than two days
- You're vomiting blood
- You're dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness
- You notice blood in your bowel movements
Causes
What Are the First Signs of the Flu?
- Sudden Excessive Fatigue. This symptom should not be confused with a general feeling of tiredness or everyday stress. ...
- Chills and Muscle Aches. Body aches are sometimes mistaken as the result of stress or physical exertion. ...
- Fever. ...
- Sore Throat. ...
- Coughing and Runny Nose. ...
- Loss of Appetite. ...
- Flu Treatment in Rochester, NY. ...
Prevention
The most common symptoms of the flu include:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
Complications
Potential Causes
- Flu Vaccine. If you had the influenza vaccine (by shot or nasal spray), you may have some mild flu-like symptoms for a short period. ...
- Common Cold. ...
- Strep Throat. ...
- Bronchitis. ...
- Viral Pneumonia. ...
- Mononucleosis. ...
- Coronavirus. ...
- Acute HIV Infection. ...
What to do when you notice early flu symptoms?
What are the first signs of flu?
What are the most common flu symptoms?
What illnesses have flu like symptoms?
See more
How long does flu in adults last?
The flu typically lasts three to seven days, according to the CDC. Serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia, can take longer to recover from. Some symptoms, such as a cough, can persist for more than two weeks.
How do you know u have a flu?
Common flu signs and symptoms include:Fever above 100 F (38 C), though not everyone with the flu has a fever.A cough or sore throat.A runny or stuffy nose.Headache.Muscle aches.Chills.Fatigue.Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (most common in children)
How do I know if I have the flu or Covid?
You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone because they have some of the same symptoms. That's why testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis.
Can you have flu without fever?
A fever is part of the immune system's response to an infection and is a typical flu symptom. However, it is possible for the flu to occur without a fever. In mild cases of the flu, the body may be able to fight off the influenza virus without raising its temperature.
How can I get rid of the flu quickly?
In this ArticleStay home and get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids.Treat aches and fever.Take care of your cough.Sit in a steamy bathroom.Run the humidifier.Try a lozenge.Get salty.More items...•
What are the stages of Covid symptoms?
Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
When do COVID symptoms start?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills.
What does COVID fatigue feel like?
It can leave people feeling dull and finding it difficult to concentrate and recall memories. Fatigue is very common after viral infections, such as COVID and normally it settles after 2 or 3 weeks. However, in some people it can linger for weeks or months.
What does a COVID headache feel like?
Key Takeaways. A headache associated with COVID-19 can feel like a tension headache or a migraine. Some patients can also experience persistent daily headaches after recovering from an acute COVID-19 infection. Lifestyle changes and certain medications may treat a COVID headache to an extent.
What are 5 symptoms of the flu?
Flu Symptomsfever* or feeling feverish/chills.cough.sore throat.runny or stuffy nose.muscle or body aches.headaches.fatigue (tiredness)some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
How do you know it's Covid and not a cold?
But COVID-19 , the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu (influenza) cause many similar symptoms....Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?Symptom or signCOVID-19ColdTirednessUsuallySometimesSneezingRarelySometimesSore throatUsuallyUsuallyRunny or stuffy noseUsuallyUsually6 more rows
What do flu body aches feel like?
One of the most distinct symptoms of the flu (influenza) is painful body aches. Many people report that their muscles feel so sore and achy that it hurts to move. Worse, body aches can leave you feeling weak, fatigued, and even exhausted. Fortunately, these symptoms can be treated and managed successfully.
What are the complications of the flu?
Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) tissues, and multi-organ failure (for example, respirator y and kidney failure).
How long does it take to recover from the flu?
Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.
Can the flu cause death?
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death . Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Coughs (Acute and Chronic)
A cough is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. A chronic or persistent cough may signal certain lung conditions that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Common causes of coughs include infection, allergies, lung disease, medications, and GERD (reflux). Acute coughs are categorized as infectious or non-infectious.
Fever (in Adults)
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin.
Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccines may be composed of weakened live flu viruses or killed viruses that protect a person from developing influenza once administered. Reactions to the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu nasal-spray vaccines and shots include headache, nasal congestion, low-grade fever, sore throat, and muscle cramps.
H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine
The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine 2009 is an attenuated (live virus) vaccine to prevent the H1N1 influenza (swine flu). There are certain groups of individuals who should not receive this vaccine.
Headache (Mild)
Mild headaches and tension headaches are common but usually do not represent a serious illness. They result from irritation or injury to pain-sensing structures of the head. Symptoms of mild headache pain include aching, squeezing, or bandlike pain, on both sides of the head, generally above the level of the eyebrows.
Immunization Schedule, Adults
At least 45,000 adults in the United States die of complications of influenza, pneumococcal infections, and hepatitis B each year. Adults need the following vaccines: chickenpox, hepatitis B, MMR, Td/Tdap, flu, shingles, and pneumococcal.
Immunizations and Antibiotics for Overseas Travel
Most immunizations are not required under International Health Requirements but are recommended. Anyone lacking certain region- or country-specific immunizations may be denied entry into or exit from a country.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Not only is the onset of symptoms abrupt, but the flu also causes symptoms that might not occur with the common cold. Symptoms of the flu and common cold include: runny nose. congestion. sore throat. coughing. If you have the flu, additional symptoms may include: fever. body aches.
What are the complications of the flu?
Some flu-related complications aren’t as severe and may include a sinus or an ear infection. More serious complications can include bronchitis and pneumonia, which affect the lungs. Bronchitis occurs when inflammation develops in the lining of the bronchial tubes. These are the tubes that carry air to the lungs.
Why is it harder to fight off a virus?
Older adults tend to have a weaker immune system, which naturally occurs as we age. And when your immune system isn’t strong , it becomes harder for the body to fight off a virus. When a flu infection worsens, it can progress to pneumonia and lead to hospitalization, and sometimes death.
How long does it take for the flu to show up?
The onset of flu symptoms can happen quickly, with some people developing symptoms 1 to 4 days. Trusted Source. after exposure to the virus. If you become sick, it’s important that you know how to differentiate flu symptoms from common cold symptoms.
How long does it take to recover from the flu?
The flu (influenza) is a seasonal virus that causes mild to severe symptoms. Some people recover in about a week, while others can be at risk of serious, life threatening complications.
Can the flu cause a lung abscess?
This lung infection can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs or a lung abscess. Other complications that may occur with the flu include inflammation of the heart, brain, and muscles. It can also lead to multi-organ failure. If you live with asthma or heart disease, the flu virus can worsen these chronic conditions.
Can pneumonia cause shortness of breath?
Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in one or both lungs. Pneumonia can cause chest pains, shortness of breath, and a severe cough. In older adults, pneumonia can also cause a lower than normal body temperature, confusion, and nausea and vomiting.
What to do if you have the flu?
If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your doctor right away. Taking antiviral drugs may reduce the length of your illness and help prevent more-serious problems. If you have emergency signs and symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away.
How long does it take for the flu to go away?
If you're young and healthy, the flu usually isn't serious. Although you may feel miserable while you have it, the flu usually goes away in a week or two with no lasting effects. But children and adults at high risk may develop complications that may include:
What is the name of the virus that attacks the respiratory system?
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.
How do viruses travel through the air?
Influenza viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Abdominal cramps and pain. Nausea, vomiting or both. Occasional muscle aches or headache.
What is the difference between the flu and gastroenteritis?
Real flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Abdominal cramps and pain.
How do you get viral gastroenteritis?
The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, ...
What is the main complication of viral gastroenteritis?
The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem.
Can you confuse viral diarrhea with diarrhea caused by bacteria?
Because the symptoms are similar, it's easy to confuse viral diarrhea with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, salmonella and E. coli, or parasites, such as giardia.
What is the flu?
minus. Related Pages. Influenza (also known as “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. This page provides resources about flu symptoms, complications, and diagnosis. user md chat light icon.
Is the flu a contagious disease?
Influenza (also known as “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. This page provides resources about flu symptoms, complications, and diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Common signs of an influenza infection include: coughing. runny or stuffy nose. sneezing. sore throat. fever. headache.
What is the type of influenza?
What is type A influenza? Influenza — also known as the flu — is a contagious viral infection that attacks your respiratory system. Influenza viruses that infect humans can be classified into three main groups: A, B, and C. Type A influenza infection can be serious and cause widespread outbreaks and disease. Common symptoms of type A infection can ...
How does influenza A clear?
In some cases, influenza A symptoms can clear on their own with ample rest and fluid intake. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to fight the infection.
How long does it take for flu symptoms to go away?
chills. body aches. Sometimes, influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, schedule a visit with your doctor.
What are the side effects of oseltamivir?
Though effective, these medications can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
How long does it take for a doctor to test for influenza?
In this procedure, your doctor swabs your nose or throat. The test will detect influenza viral RNA within 30 minutes or less.
Is type B influenza as severe as type A?
Type B influenza can be just as severe. Trusted Source. as type A influenza but is less common throughout the flu season compared to type A. Humans are the natural host for type B infection. Type B viruses mutate much slower than type A infections and are categorized by strains, but not subtypes.
How serious is the flu?
Most people who get the flu feel better after a few days to two weeks. However, the flu can be serious, and some people will develop other health issues, called complications, because of the flu. Complications can be mild, such as a sinus or ear infection, or more serious, like pneumonia.
How does the flu spread?
The flu is contagious, which means it spreads from person to person. It mostly spreads through droplets in the air when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. It can spread from up to six feet away.
Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19?
The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 can all cause similar symptoms. If you have symptoms, talk with your health care provider. Your provider can help determine the cause of your illness and help you take steps to feel better.
How can you prevent the flu?
The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. Getting your flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu. It also reduces your chances of being hospitalized or dying if you do get sick with the flu.
What can you do if you get the flu?
If you get the flu, there are steps you can take to feel better. Act fast! First, talk with your health care provider. The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so you may need to get tested for an accurate diagnosis. This will also help determine which medications might make you feel better.
For more information about the flu
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention
- At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a bother, you usually feel much worse with the flu. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include: 1. Fever 2. Aching muscles 3. Chills and sweats 4. Headac...