What Are The Common Symptoms Of The Flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness

The flu is a contagious illness caused by a virus such as Influenza A and Influenza B. It is different to the common cold. The flu can be very serious leading to pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. People with the flu may also have other complications such as ear infections and sinus infections. The incubation period is usually 1-3 days and commences quickly with fever, headache, shivering and muscle aches.

Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever greater than 38 degrees
• Body aches
• Muscle aches and chills
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Runny nose

Aches, pains and fever

Aches, pains and fatigue are common symptoms of the flu that you may have experienced before with other illnesses like colds or allergies. These symptoms usually last for several days often accompanied by chills.

Coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion

Very common symptoms of the flu are coughing and sneezing. Coughing is often accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion or sore throat. The severity of each symptom can vary from person to person, but it’s important to remember that these symptoms aren’t exclusive to the flu virus–they can be caused by allergies or even a simple cold as well!

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms along with fever, body aches and fatigue (or just one or two), then it’s best to see your doctor right away so they can diagnose what’s going on before it becomes worse than it needs to be.

Headache, sore throat and nasal congestion

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion

Loss of appetite and nausea

• Vomiting and nausea are two common symptoms of the flu.
• Loss of appetite is another symptom, but it’s not always present in patients with the flu.

Fatigue and weakness

Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of the flu. They can be caused by other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have them.

• Fatigue: Fatigue is when you feel tired, worn out or exhausted all the time–and it isn’t just because you stayed up late last night watching Netflix before bedtime. If someone were to ask how you’re feeling right now, would your answer be “fatigued”? If so, then this might be one of your symptoms!
• Muscle aches: Muscle aches aren’t just limited to soreness from exercise; they can also include pain in joints or muscles without any apparent cause (like after sitting still for too long).

What to do if you have the flu

It’s important to check-in with a doctor, online or face to face, to discuss your symptoms and get some initial advice. Most cases can be treated conservatively with:

• Rehydration solutions
• Paracetemol regularly – every 6 hours
• Rest
• Freshly squeezed lemon and honey drinks

Most people will get better within 7 to 10 days.

For people that have chronic medical conditions or are immunocomprimised, there are antiviral medications that may be appropriate. Discuss this with the doctor.

Prevention

It’s really important to get an up to date flu shot each year. It’s your best chance of avoiding or minimising a severe flu illness.

How to get help if you have the flu

Talk to an online doctor today with Medmate to get some initial advice. Our doctors can help with any advised treatments or medical certificates to help you through your illness.