Flu Symptoms Explained Including Fever, Aching And The Chills
How To Spot The Signs Of Flu
The Huffington Post UK
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It's inevitable that you'll come down with a cold or even the flu over winter. However it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, as symptoms can be similar.
With flu, symptoms come on quickly and you might experience a fever or aching muscles. Much of the time it will make you too unwell to do anything. With a cold, however, the symptoms gradually develop. It mainly affects the nose and throat, and you can often work through it.
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Without further ado, here are some flu symptoms you should look out for.
Sore throat: A sore throat is usually the first indicator of the beginning of illness, whether it's a cold, the flu or worse.
Temperature: Feeling feverish or having a fever of 38°C (100°F) or higher can be an indicator for the flu, although not everyone with the flu will get a fever.
Dry, chesty cough: Flu can cause an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) that affects the throat, windpipe or sinuses.
Headache and body aches: Feeling achy all over or getting a headache is another symptom of the flu and is not generally associated with getting a cold.
This tends to show as more general aches, as opposed to those confined to one area.
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea: Nausea is the most common symptom of the flu and less likely to occur with a cold. Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so it's important to try and drink lots of water throughout your illness.
Chills: Can occur as a result of many kinds of bacterial and viral illnesses including colds, the flu and H1N1 (swine flu).
Fatigue: An intense feeling of exhaustion, like not being able to get out of bed, is a sign that you have the flu. This does not usually occur with a cold.
Runny nose: Though a runny nose is most closely associated with a cold, it can also be a symptom of flu. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand to keep germs from spreading.
Other symptoms include: loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and sneezing.
Most people recover from flu by resting at home, however if you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have heart disease, diabetes, asthma, lung disease or another long-term medical condition you should consult your GP.
Usually, a person should be able to recover from the flu of their own accord.
Doctors advise patients to get lots of rest, stay warm and drink plenty of water during recovery.
You can also ease symptoms by taking: paracetamol, which can help to lower fever; ibuprofen, which can help with aches and pains; cough syrup, which can help the dry, chesty cough; and decongestants, for relieving a blocked nose.
Do I Have The Flu?
Temperature(01 of23)
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Feeling feverish or having a fever of 100°F or higher can be an indicator for the flu or H1N1 virus, though not everyone with the flu will get a fever. Fevers are unlikely with a common cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Body Aches(02 of23)
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Feeling achy all over or getting a headache is another symptom of the flu or H1N1, and not generally associated with getting a cold. This tends to show as more general aches, as opposed to those confined to one area. (credit:Shutterstock)
Nausea, Vomiting Or Diarrhea(03 of23)
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Nausea is the most symptom of the flu, and less likely to occur with a cold. However, if you're vomiting continuously, this can indicate a more severe strain of the flu, and you should seek medical help. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sore Throat(04 of23)
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A sore throat is usually the first indicator of the beginning of illness, whether it's a cold, the flu or worse. (credit:Shutterstock)
Cough(05 of23)
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Coughing occurs when one has a cold or the flu, though if it worsens, that can indicate a more severe strain, like H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)
Fatigue(06 of23)
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An intense feeling of exhaustion, like not being able to get out of bed, is a sign that you have the flu or H1N1. This does not usually occur with a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Chills(07 of23)
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Chills can occur as a result of many kinds of bacterial and viral illnesses, including colds, the flu and H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)
Runny Nose(08 of23)
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Though a runny nose is most closely associated with a cold, it can also be part of having the flu or H1N1. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand to keep germs from spreading. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dizziness(09 of23)
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Dizziness is not a normal symptom for a cold or flu, and should be treated with seriousness. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dehydration(10 of23)
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Dehydration is a serious risk when you're ill, either because you feel too sick to drink or eat, or you've been vomiting and/or having diarrhea. Being dehydrated can indicate H1N1, and you should seek medical attention. (credit:Shutterstock)
Pain In Stomach Or Chest(11 of23)
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Feeling pains in your stomach or chest while or immediately after you have the flu can indicate a serious complication, like pneumonia. Seek medical help immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)
Blue, Purple Or Grey Lips(12 of23)
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Discoloured lips can indicate a lung infection, which poses a serious health risk. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)
Keep an all-natural hand sanitizer that promises to kill 99.9 per cent of germs in your pocket or purse at all times. (credit:Shutterstock)
Protect The Kids(16 of23)
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Kids are primary germ carriers and will inevitably fall ill this season. To prevent yourself from getting sick, make sure your children are also protected either with a flu shot or medication. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get Fresh With Garlic (17 of23)
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Bacteria love warm, humid environments. If what you've got now is a bacterial infection, garlic is a powerful, all-natural antibiotic solution. Of course we're not telling you to eat a raw clove straight — instead try adding garlic to soups, salads or your favourite pasta. (credit:Shutterstock)
Lack of sleep is proven to contribute to an unhealthy immune system. To ensure you have a congestion-free sleep, whether you're sick or not, use a nasal strip to help open your airways. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sneeze In The Sleeve (20 of23)
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Much like hand washing, this is one of the simplest ways to help prevent the spread of germs. (credit:Shutterstock)
Shower Your Nose (21 of23)
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Irrigate your nasal cavity with a neti-pot. It will flush out the viruses and bacteria reducing chances of impending infections. (credit:Shutterstock)
Don't Forget The D (22 of23)
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When it comes to the flu, it’s not all about Vitamin C, Vitamin D is just as important. Since we may not get as many hours of sunshine as we do in the summertime, taking vitamin D supplements during the winter can help boost immunity and protect our bodies from catching a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Flower Power (23 of23)
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Research suggests the use of a properly formulated Echinacea means fewer colds, reduced duration of cold symptoms, and less reliance on synthetic pain relievers. (credit:Shutterstock)