Flu symptoms

The flu is a common respiratory illness you get from the influenza virus. Symptoms often include fever, head and body aches, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose. You’re at risk for serious complications if you have an underlying health condition or are pregnant. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to avoid getting sick with the flu. Overview The flu, common cold and COVID-19 have similar symptoms. The flu and COVID-19 can be severe, but colds rarely are. What is the flu (influenza)? The flu is an illness you get from the influenza virus. It causes symptoms like head and body aches, sore throat, fever and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe. Flu is most common in winter months, when many people can get sick at once (an epidemic). When is flu season? Flu season — when cases of the flu go up dramatically — in the Northern Hemisphere (which includes the U.S.) is October through May. The highest number of cases (peak) usually happen between December and February. How common is the flu? The flu is one of the most common What is the difference between the flu and the common cold? The flu and the common cold can have similar symptoms, like runny nose and cough. But cold symptoms are usually mild and flu symptoms can be severe and lead to serious complications. Different viruses cause colds and the flu. How do I know if I have the flu or COVID-19? Since they have similar symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have the flu or COVID-19 is to get tested. They b...

The stages of flu recovery generally follow a predictable pattern. However, the flu affects different people in different ways. In general, flu stages follow a day-by-day progression. Knowing how the flu progresses can help you figure out when you are capable of This article will explain the stages of the flu. You will learn which flu symptoms appear in each flu stage, when you're contagious, and what you can do to feel better as the flu progresses. Flu Day 0 The first stage of the flu actually starts before you even know you have it. The day before flu symptoms appear, You likely came in contact with someone who was contagious with the flu sometime in the last 48 hours. The flu virus A person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Certain groups of people are not only at a High-risk groups for the flu include: • Babies and young children • Older adults • People with chronic medical conditions • People with obesity • People who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding • People with weakened immune systems (for example, because they are receiving treatment for cancer or taking medications that suppress their immune system) Flu Day 1 The second stage of the flu is actually day one. You may wake up feeling fine, but feel progressively worse as the day goes on. At this stage, flu symptoms will come on fast. Once you realize you are sick with the flu, call your healthcare provider— especially if you ...

Most people who have the flu (influenza) have a mild illness and don't need to see a doctor. 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) With some rest and self-care measures at home, the average healthy person can expect to get better within a week, although a dry cough may last for several weeks. However, some people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications and should see a doctor. Who needs to see a doctor? If you or someone you're caring for is at high risk of flu-related complications and you suspect the flu, call the doctor. For those at high risk of flu-related complications or who have severe flu, there's a greater chance that the flu might lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and, rarely, hospitalization or death. The flu can also worsen chronic health problems such as asthma and congestive heart failure. You have an increased risk of flu-related complications if you: • Are younger than 12 months old • Are 65 years old or older • Are pregnant or have given birth in the past two weeks • Are younger than 19 years of age and are receiving long-term aspirin therapy • Have certain chronic medical conditions, including lung diseases such as asthma, an airway abnormality, heart disease, diabetes, neurological or neurodevelopmen...

COVID-19 and the flu have some overlapping symptoms. However, there are several differences between them. The novel strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Both COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory illnesses that spread from person to person. This article will discuss the differences between COVID-19 and the flu. The symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 have a lot of overlap. They also have a few differences. One main difference is in symptom onset. People who have the flu will typically experience symptoms within As a point of comparison, the incubation period for a cold is The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in both children and adults. However, according to a The following table outlines the symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and a cold. The symptoms of COVID-19 and flu can range from mild to severe. Both can also cause Initial data from the However, according to July 2022 data from the The chance of severe and critical infection is higher with COVID-19 than with the flu. COVID-19 is also more deadly. According to the WHO, the mortality rate for COVID-19 appears to be Those most at risk of severe illness or complications related to these viruses include the elderly and those with underlying medical issues. We are still learning about post-COVID conditions, also known as long COVID, that may result from infection with the new coronavirus. Compared with the flu, research on COVID-19 remains in its early stages. According to the Both SARS-CoV-...

Flu vs. Cold vs. COVID-19 Symptoms Symptoms Flu Cold COVID-19 Headache Common Rare Common Sore throat Common Common Common Runny nose Common Common Common Muscle aches Common Sometimes Common Diarrhea Sometimes (mostly kids) No Sometimes Cough Common Common Common (usually dry) Nausea, vomiting Sometimes (mostly kids) No Sometimes Loss of sense of smell or taste Rare Sometimes (with congestion) Common (without congestion) Tiredness Common Sometimes Common Fever Common Sometimes Common Shortness of breath Common Rare Common Sneezing Rare Common Rare What Causes the Flu? The flu is caused by various influenza virus strains passed between humans and, in some cases, from animals to humans. The viruses can spread fast across the globe, especially flu A, because of their ability to mutate quickly. This is why flu A viruses can cause a worldwide pandemic. Otherwise, the best thing for you to do if you have the flu is to stay home and rest. Avoid contact with others unless you require medical care or are in a higher-risk group for complications. Avoid being around others until you are fever-free for 24 hours and without other symptoms. If you need to be around others, wear a mask to help prevent the spread of germs. If you are home resting with the flu, stay hydrated with fluids like water, juice, herbal tea, popsicles, broth, or electrolyte drinks, especially if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Make a warm saltwater mix to gargle and soothe a sore throat. If you're cong...

Share on Pinterest Chee Gin Tan/Getty Images A slight tickle in your throat, body aches, and a sudden fever could be some of the first signs that you’re coming down with the flu. The influenza virus (or flu for short) affects up to It’s especially critical for young children, older adults, pregnant women, or people with conditions that affect their respiratory or immune systems to seek medical attention quickly. These tips will not only help you feel better faster, but also help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus to other people in your community. It’s easy to mistake the flu for a minor cold at first. While the flu shares many of the symptoms of the common cold, symptoms of the flu are typically more severe and come on quicker. Early signs of the flu include: • fatigue • sudden fever (usually above 100°F [38°C]) • scratchy or sore throat • cough • chills • muscle or body aches • runny nose Keep in mind that a fever is common in the early stages of the flu, but not everyone with the flu will have a fever. If you notice that you’re experiencing signs of the flu, follow these tips: • Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus. Aim for about 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and water before rinsing. • Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm instead of your hands, or direct them into a disposable tissue. The flu is highly contagious and easily spreads through the air if you cough or sneeze. • Eat healthy to boost your immune system. Though yo...