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Symptoms of the Flu

By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com

Updated June 16, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

So you thought you had a cold, but it just isn't going away and now it is getting worse. Could it be the flu? Find out the most common symptoms of the flu and how they are different from the common cold.

1. Fever and Chills

Fever is almost always present with the flu and it usually comes on suddenly. When you have a high fever, you are also likely to experience chills. The higher your body temperature, the colder the air will feel. This is the reason that people with a fever try to layer on clothing and blankets, although doing so will only make the problem worse.

2. Exhaustion

Overall feeling of being completely exhausted. You probably will be unable to perform daily activities. This exhaustion is much more pronounced than the tiredness you may feel from a cold.

3. Aches and Pains

One of the most common descriptions people give when they have the flu is "achy". Your muscles are usually very sore and moving around too much causes discomfort.

4. Congestion

This is found with both the common cold and flu, but is accompanied by other symptoms when you have the flu.

5. Headache

Headaches are common with the flu and can be quite severe. Like the rest of your body, the head will ache when you have the flu.

6. Coughing

May be productive (producing mucous) or non-productive, but is usually a dry cough. If you develop a productive cough and fever, you should contact your doctor.

Source:

Flu, NIAID Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 17 Nov 2006. 26 May 2007.

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