Flu Symptoms
Due to its highly contagious nature, flu can spread very quickly within a community and everyone should be aware of common flu symptoms. Flu is short for influenza which is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. While there are certain seasons that the flu is more prevalent, the illness can present itself at any time of the year.
Symptoms of flu will often present suddenly, without warning that you are getting ill. Often the first flu symptom you will experience is fatigue which is usually distinguishable by being more extreme than normal tiredness from activity. The next early appearing flu symptom is quite frequently a headache. Many people will feel these symptoms in the early onset of the virus and then more severe symptoms will appear within 24 hours.
Respiratory symptoms of flu will usually start appearing after the initial onset of the virus. These symptoms are similar to that of the common cold with flu sufferers experiencing a cough, nasal congestion and a sore throat. Nasal flu symptoms can present as either a runny nose or a stuffed up nose; occasionally both symptoms are present at the same time.
There is one complaint that is almost universally experienced by those who catch the flu virus and that is of aching muscles and joints. These body aches can vary from mildly uncomfortable to quite debilitating. Often those with flu symptoms will also run a very high temperature along with a mixture of other complaints. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can also be symptoms of flu but are more often found in children than adult patients.
As you can see, the symptoms of flu are typical of other illnesses, as well, so a diagnosis cannot be based solely on these symptoms. A doctor can determine whether or not you actually have the flu virus or another illness with a simple exam. Providing you seek a doctor’s care within the first couple of days, there are tests that can be done to make a definitive diagnosis of influenza.
The flu can cause a wide range of illness, from mild to very severe, and can lead to death at times due to often serious complications. Most healthy people recover from the flu within a few days to a week but some people are more at risk than others for developing serious complications. Young children, the elderly, and those who suffer from chronic health conditions are at a much higher risk of the flu symptoms escalating into a more serious condition like pneumonia.
If you or a family member begin to exhibit symptoms of flu and are in a higher risk group, you should seek a doctor’s care right away. Especially with children, the flu symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration in a very short period of time. Higher risk groups also include those suffering from diabetes, congestive heart failure, and asthma.