illnesses with flu like symptoms

What are the symptoms of influenza-like illness?

These common viruses aren’t the same as the ones that cause the flu, but they can bring on flu-like symptoms. Both illnesses can lead to health problems like pneumonia and bronchitis, too ...

Why do I have flu like symptoms all the time?

10/11/2021 · Here are a few of the more common illnesses that can mimic flu symptoms. 1. The Common Cold. Whether it’s a summer cold or a winter cold, colds often bring along their share of misery. A particularly bad cold could mimic some flu symptoms. These include having a runny and/or stuffed up nose, coughing, feeling like your chest is congested ...

What is the difference between cold and flu like illness?

24/01/2020 · 7 Illnesses That Cause Flu-Like Symptoms, But Aren't Flu Other bugs can also cause those flu-like symptoms. By Amanda Gardner and Maggie O'Neill Updated January 24, 2020

What is the flu?

20/11/2020 · If your flu-like symptoms or fever last for more than 48 hours or cause you concern, seek prompt medical care. Fever in infants and very young children can quickly become serious, so you should seek prompt medical care if your baby or toddler develops a fever.. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have flu-like symptoms that occur with …

What illnesses can cause flu-like symptoms?

These are some of the more common flu-like illnesses.the common cold.pneumonia.strep throat.mononucleosis.bronchitis.respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)and many other viruses that are similar to the flu but are not influenza.

Is there a virus that mimics flu?

Adenoviruses flourish year-round, nursing homes at risk Bugs known as adenoviruses can cause symptoms similar to influenza: fever, headache, body aches and breathing problems. A virus that mimics the symptoms of the flu and may be just as dangerous, especially to older people, is being misdiagnosed and underreported.19-Feb-2018

Why do I feel like I have flu all the time?

A person might feel sick continuously for a few days, weeks, or months due to a lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, or a poor diet. In other cases, there may be an underlying medical disorder.

Can cancer cause flu-like symptoms?

Hematologic: Common hematologic cancer symptoms include flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, joint/bone pain, anemia, night sweats, lymph node swelling, itching, persistent cough, shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort, headaches, easy bruising or bleeding, and/or frequent infections.

Can you have the flu but no fever?

And while you can still have the flu without a fever, the flu typically comes with a few days above 100° Fahrenheit. A flu fever will likely come on fast. This is an especially common flu symptom in kids.

Can you have flu and no fever?

Since not every individual experiences all of the flu symptoms, it is possible to have the flu without having a fever. Yes, it is possible to get flu without fever. Flu or influenza is a viral disease with predominant symptoms, such as runny nose, cough, chills, general malaise, headache, sore throat, and body ache.19-Jan-2022

Can Covid symptoms come and go?

Can COVID-19 symptoms come and go? Yes. During the recovery process, people with COVID-19 might experience recurring symptoms alternating with periods of feeling better. Varying degrees of fever, fatigue and breathing problems can occur, on and off, for days or even weeks.27-Jan-2022

Can anxiety mimic the flu?

No. Even though anxiety can cause flu like symptoms, please don't worry that your anxiety will actually cause you to get an influenza infection. A viral infection will not trigger a new case of anxiety, but it can trigger and intensify your anxiety if you have pre-existing anxiety disorder.

What cancer makes you feel like you have the flu?

Fatigue, chills, fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes and persistent cough are common symptoms of the flu. But they also are common symptoms of some cancers, especially hematologic malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukemia.06-Aug-2019

What type of cancer starts with a flu?

A cold or the flu can make you hack away, but it's also a potential symptom of lung cancer, along with red flags like chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.22-May-2020

Can lymphoma cause flu-like symptoms?

Itching, bone pain, headaches, constant coughing and abnormal pressure and congestion in the face, neck and upper chest. Fatigue and flu-like body aches. Fatigue resulting from anemia. Night sweats, recurring high-grade fever or constant low-grade fever.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Whether it’s a summer cold or a winter cold, colds often bring along their share of misery. A particularly bad cold could mimic some flu symptoms. These include having a runny and/or stuffed up nose, coughing, feeling like your chest is congested, even a sore throat and headache. In adults, fevers are rare in colds, but you ...

How long does it take for a cold to go away?

And, cold symptoms go away in about a week, usually, while flu symptoms can last much longer. 2. Meningitis (Bacterial or Viral) Meningitis is a serious infection or inflammation of the meninges. These are the membranes that surround and protect your brain and spinal cord.

Can sepsis cause coughing?

If you think you may have sepsis, get medical help quickly. Pneumonia, whether it’s bacterial, viral or fungal, can initially be confused by the flu virus. Pneumonia symptoms can include a productive cough (bringing up green or yellow sputum), shortness of breath, fever, chills, and pain in your chest.

What is the term for the body's overreaction to an infection?

3. Sepsis . Sepsis , what used to be called blood poisoning, is your body’s overreaction to an infection. As your body fights the infection, something goes wrong and your body begins to attack itself instead. Sepsis can be fatal, but it’s easy to miss the signs and symptoms or to mistake them for the flu.

How long does it take for a cat to scratch?

It can take from 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus for the symptoms to appear, which is why the symptoms may be mistaken for the flu at first—the infected person may not remember being exposed to someone with mononucleosis. Most cat scratches do little more than draw some blood and cause a bit of pain.

Can you have blood cancer before you get it?

Blood Cancer. People can have blood cancer for a while before they are diagnosed. This is because symptoms can be vague and, in the early stages, mistaken for something much less serious like the flu. These symptoms may include fever, persistent cough, no appetite, fatigue, chills and sweating, particularly at night.

What are the symptoms of blood cancer?

Other blood cancer symptoms include persistent fatigue, unintended weight loss, recurring nosebleeds, swollen lymph glands, and bone pain. 6. Lyme Disease.

What happens if you have had the flu in the past?

If you've had influenza in the past, your body has already made antibodies to fight that specific strain of the virus. If future influenza viruses are similar to those you've encountered before, either by having the disease or by getting vaccinated, those antibodies may prevent infection or lessen its severity.

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.

When are women more likely to get influenza?

Pregnancy. Pregnant women are more likely to develop influenza complications, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Women are more likely to develop influenza-related complications up to two weeks after delivering their babies. Obesity.

Is the flu the same as the stomach virus?

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. For most people, the flu resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly.

What age group is most at risk for the flu?

Risk factors. Factors that may increase your risk of developing the flu or its complications include: Age. Seasonal influenza tends to target children 6 months to 5 years old, and adults 65 years old or older.

How to prevent the spread of the flu?

The influenza vaccine isn't 100% effective, so it's also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including: Wash your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to prevent many common infections.

Can the flu be deadly?

For most people, the flu resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include: People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes.

What is the name of the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord?

Meningitis . Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Like pneumonia, meningitis can be caused by either a viral or a bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is more common and milder, but the symptoms of both are similar and look a lot like the flu: headache, fever, and fatigue.

How long does bronchitis last?

The nagging cough of bronchitis can last up to three weeks, longer than a cough from the flu.

Do colds come with chest pain?

And even though so many symptoms overlap, colds typically don’t come with chest pain or body aches, which are more characteristic of the flu, adds Dr. Peterson. RELATED: 11 Signs It’s More Serious Than the Common Cold.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

But be on the alert for signs of trouble such as shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, dizziness, or dehydration. If you’re experiencing any of these in addition to your flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or head to an emergency room.

How to diagnose bronchitis?

There’s no test for bronchitis like there is for the flu, so doctors usually diagnose it by asking about symptoms and examining you. Bronchitis treatment consists of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking meds that can relieve symptoms. RELATED: 8 Possible Reasons You Can’t Stop Coughing.

Can strep throat be a symptom of the flu?

Strep throat may also bring swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, a skin rash, or white blotches on the tonsils. None of these is typical of the flu.

Can pneumonia be treated with antibiotics?

Normally, pneumonia that comes with or after the flu is caused by bacteria and can be treated by antibiotics. With this type of pneumonia, “the cough is pretty persistent and unrelenting and often associated with chest pain,” Weston says. “The fever could be low grade or higher.

Is sore throat a flu like illness?

Flu-Like Symptoms. * Sore throat is a common, but not guaranteed symptom of flu and flu-like illness. The 2011 World Health Organization clinical definition of flu-like illness removed the mention of sore throat that was in the previous guidelines. Sore throat may not be present in those who have a pre-existing respiratory disease, ...

Can a sore throat be a preexisting disease?

Sore throat may not be present in those who have a pre-existing respiratory disease, and it is hard to determine in children. 1  In other words, you may have a flu-like illness whether you have a sore throat or not. If you come down with any of these symptoms, you may assume that you have the flu—and you might be right.

Why do we need to get the flu shot?

Getting the yearly flu vaccine will help you avoid influenza, which is a major cause of sickness, lost time from work, and complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. There are no vaccines, medications, or supplements that can prevent general flu-like illnesses.

What is the temperature of a cough in 2011?

The 2011 clinical definition from the World Health Organization (WHO) is an acute respiratory illness with a measured temperature equal to or greater than 100.4 degrees F and cough, with onset within the past 10 days. 1  There are many potential causes, from strep throat to mononucleosis. Ridofranz/iStock.

How long does mono last?

Mono symptoms tend to last longer than the flu and be more severe. For instance, though many people start to feel better from mono within two to four weeks, symptoms of fatigue can persist for months. 11 . An Overview of Mononucleosis.

Is sore throat a symptom of flu?

In children, there may be vomiting and diarrhea. * Sore throat is a common, but not guaranteed symptom of flu and flu-like illness. The 2011 World Health Organization clinical definition of flu-like illness removed the mention of sore throat that was in the previous guidelines. Sore throat may not be present in those who have a pre-existing ...

What are the early symptoms of pneumonia?

Early symptoms are a lot like flu symptoms—high fever, severe coughing, fatigue, headaches, and shaking or chills. 9  While the flu comes on suddenly, pneumonia takes longer to develop and can be a complication of the flu. Causes and Risk Factors of Pneumonia.

What are the characteristics of a flu like?

There are a variety of flu-like symptoms that include: Body aches and pains. Chills. Cough.

How long does the flu last?

If your flu-like symptoms or fever last for more than 48 hours or cause you concern, seek prompt medical care.

Can you have a fever without a fever?

Muscle soreness. Nasal congestion. Sore throat. Stiffness. You may experience all or some of these symptoms, and you can have flu-like symptoms with or without a fever. A fever is considered an oral temperature of 99.5 degrees or higher in a child and higher than 99.0 to 99.5 degrees in an adult.

What to do if your baby has a fever?

Fever in infants and very young children can quickly become serious, so you should seek prompt medical care if your baby or toddler develops a fever. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have flu-like symptoms that occur with difficulty breathing, stiff neck, seizure, confusion, or a change in alertness.

Can rheumatoid arthritis cause flu?

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue conditions can include flu-like symptoms. There are many possible causes of flu-like symptoms, so talk with your medical professional about your symptoms.

What is the meaning of "high fever"?

Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness. Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions. Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations. High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

What does it mean when you have a yellowish color?

Pale or bluish coloration ( cyanosis) Paralysis of any part of the body. Productive cough with yellow-green or blood-tinged mucus. Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking. Seizure.

What are the symptoms of ILI?

These include fever, shivering, chills, malaise, dry cough, loss of appetite, body aches, and nausea, typically in connection with a sudden onset of illness. In most cases, the symptoms are caused by cytokines released by immune system activation, and are thus relatively non-specific. Common causes of ILI include the common cold and influenza, ...

What is an ILI?

Definition. The term ILI can be used casually, but when used in the surveillance of influenza cases, can have a strict definition. The World Health Organization defines an illness as an ILI if the patient has a fever greater than or equal to 38 C° and a cough, which began in the last 10 days. If the patient requires hospitalisation, ...

What are the causes of influenza?

Causes. The causes of influenza-like illness range from benign self-limited illnesses such as gastroenteritis, rhinoviral disease, and influenza, to severe, sometimes life-threatening, diseases such as meningitis, sepsis, and leukemia .

What is influenza like?

Influenza-like illness is a nonspecific respiratory illness characterized by fever, fatigue, cough, and other symptoms that stop within a few days.

What is a respiratory sample?

Samples are respiratory samples, usually collected by a physician, nurse, or assistant, and sent to a hospital laboratory for preliminary testing. There are several methods of collecting a respiratory sample, depending on requirements of the laboratory that will test the sample.

How many Influenza centers are there?

Influenza in humans is subject to clinical surveillance by a global network of more than 110 National Influenza Centers. These centers receive samples obtained from patients diagnosed with ILI, and test the samples for the presence of an influenza virus.

Is influenza a diagnosis of ILI?

Influenza. Technically, any clinical diagnosis of influenza is a diagnosis of ILI, not of influenza. This distinction usually is of no great concern because, regardless of cause, most cases of ILI are mild and self-limiting.

When Does Improper Diagnosis or Discharge Constitute Medical Malpractice?

It’s one of the most common medical diagnoses: influenza. We all know the signs: fever, coughing, sore throat, achy muscles, and fatigue. It’s the feel-like-a-truck-hit-me constellation of symptoms that doctors describe in the most general of terms: “flu-like.”

How Can a Wrong Flu Diagnosis Happen?

Doctors and hospitals are busier than ever these days. Too often, they rush their patients through an examination.

What Causes Flu-Like Symptoms But Not Flu?

By now, we know that flu is caused by Influenza virus. So what is it that is responsible for symptoms which are flu-like but not flu? If it is not flu, what else could it be?

What To Do If It Is Not Flu?

Generally, viruses responsible for flu-like symptoms show mild to moderate forms of respiratory illnesses which are self-limiting. They do not require hospitalization and some home remedies and supportive medicines help in recovery.

Home Remedies for Flu-like Symptoms but not Flu

Warm Salt Water Gargling – This is an ages old remedy for any kind of respiratory tract infection. Micro-organisms are unable to survive in presence of hot water and salt helps in reducing swelling and inflammation.

Overview

• 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. For most people, the flu resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include: 1…

See more on mayoclinic.org

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

Prevention