Flu Symptoms

Influenza causes a specific set of symptoms that, while potentially misleading in appearance, are relatively easy to observe. Flu symptoms are generally similar to cold symptoms, but usually appear more abruptly. A fever, either mild or high, is one of the first to appear. It is quickly followed by headaches and fatigue, sometimes to extreme levels. These symptoms can be accompanied by muscle and body aches, especially centered around joints. People suffering from influenza typically have warm skin (related to their fever), red eyes, and runny noses with watery mucus. In most cases they will also exhibit a dry cough and a sore throat.

The severity of symptoms varies widely; the virus may cause a life-threatening reaction in one person and only mild discomfort in another. People of different ages in particular tend to have slightly different flu symptoms. Children and the elderly typically experience more debilitating symptoms. Fevers caused by influenza in children can reach 104°F while still accompanied by many of the same symptoms that adults experience (body aches, headaches, etc.). Children are much more likely than adults to experience vomiting and diarrhea related to the flu. The weakness and fatigue that follows the flu in children may also remain up to two weeks after other flu symptoms have disappeared.

Infants are less commonly affected by influenza, but the virus can cause unnatural tiredness and poor circulation in children under six months old.

The elderly, on the other hand, may not develop a fever at all. Instead, they can experience shortness of breath and skin discoloration. While adults typically have a dry cough while suffering from influenza, the elderly may produce more mucus from their coughing.

Keep in mind that flu symptoms are easily misdiagnosed and may not be caused by the influenza virus at all. A wide range of ailments can cause flu-like symptoms, from food poison to the HIV virus. Children and infants especially can exhibit all the classic symptoms of influenza while suffering from an unrelated illness like chickenpox. Severe flu symptoms or symptoms lasting longer than one week may not be related to influenza; consult a doctor to verify the cause.

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