5 Telltale Signs You have the Flu
5 Telltale Signs You have the Flu
Think you have the flu or influenza? It can be difficult for some people to tell if it is indeed influenza and not the common cold. Knowing how to identify flu symptoms is crucial in the early treatment and prevention of unwanted flu complications.
Individual symptoms vary, but most people infected with the flu virus often have similar complaints. Remember that these signs of influenza are not meant to replace professional advice, and it’s best to consult your GP if concerned.
1) Fever, Chills and Sweats
Unless you received immunisation against the flu, you’d likely have a high fever accompanied by chills.
Temperatures can suddenly climb up to 38,5C and above in influenza-related fevers. Chills and sweats rarely occur with a cold but are very common to experience when you’ve caught the flu without developing a fever.
2) Fatigue
Weakness felt in the body is more pronounced in Flu than when you have the common cold, which only lasts for a few days compared to weeks when you’ve got the flu.
People affected with influenza usually associate tiredness with extreme exhaustion, leaving them unable to get out of bed and lacking the strength to perform daily activities.
3) Severe Headache and Muscular Pains
Muscles and joints around the head, back and legs would generally feel sore. Moving them can make you wince, causing significant discomfort and pain.
As if hurting body parts weren’t enough, the flu also causes throbbing headaches. No wonder influenza is deemed incapacitating, with a pounding head occurring alongside other flu symptoms!
4) Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Not all influenza strains will give you bowel troubles, but some people may experience cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea due to the flu. Children are especially prone to these symptoms.
5) Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
People with the flu may initially exhibit a dry cough, runny nose, and a sore throat.
Congestion is less severe than common cold symptoms when you have the flu. A dry cough initially subsides, only to return wet or productive, which could indicate developing a secondary infection such as pneumonia.
Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions have an increased risk of developing flu-related complications.
Flu symptoms can be prevented or reduced with the help of annual flu vaccinations. Though a flu vaccine can’t give you the flu, some influenza symptoms may become prominent after getting the flu jab. Speak with your Nurse or doctor before receiving your flu shot.
- Behind the Syringe
- Flu Insights
Introducing Aitor Aspiazu, your go-to flu expert and a Registered Nurse accredited by AHPRA (NMW0001159845). Boasting over two decades of experience in healthcare, Aitor has navigated everything from Emergency Departments to Corporate Wellness Programs—and yes, he’s even battled the flu himself. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the driving force behind workplace health and well-being. No longer in scrubs, he’s now at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging Artificial Intelligence and automation to revolutionise workplace health and well-being. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the visionary behind cutting-edge flu vaccination programs that keep businesses running smoothly. Off-duty, he’s a proud dad and a Padel addict who represented Australia in the World Padel Championship. Trust Aitor; he’s got your back when it comes to flu prevention and modern healthcare solutions.