Flu symptoms can vary from person to person and many people don't realize they have the flu until they have been sick for a few days. Learn about the most common flu symptoms 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.
