{"id":3150,"date":"2019-01-27T08:45:34","date_gmt":"2019-01-27T08:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3150"},"modified":"2021-05-03T14:38:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-03T14:38:24","slug":"9-typical-flu-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/9-typical-flu-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Typical Flu Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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No one likes to have the flu, and that is why many people rush as soon as autumn sets in to get a yearly flu vaccine<\/a>. However, strains of flu are getting stronger with every attempt to eliminate the virus, and it is still possible to come down with the bug even after taking preveDIYpioneer37ntative measures. There are several different strains of what is referred to as \u201cthe flu.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One is influenza, which mainly attacks the respiratory system and is characterized by cough, chills, fever and muscle aches and pains. Another strain is what is known as \u201cstomach flu\u201d which has symptoms such as stomach pains, loose stools, vomiting, and dizziness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the first type is technically influenza and the other is not, both types are referred to as the \u201cflu\u201d and can have common symptoms. The following is a list of symptoms that indicate that you may have the flu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Tiredness and Fatigue
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As winter sets in, the days get shorter and the night gets longer, you may find that you want to spend more time in bed. This may not be a sign that anything is wrong, but if you have a tired feeling as if you have to drag yourself around from place to place, you might be facing something more than a reaction to more darkness and less light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may be hard to identify sudden tiredness <\/a>as a flu symptom, because it can be ascribed to many other problems, such as overwork and stress, but it can appear before other signs of the flu can be detected. We get fatigued at the very early stages of the flu because our immune system is working overtime to fight the flu virus. When you feel the need to rest, it is a good idea to listen to your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Cough
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A cough can be caused by a variety of things, such as allergies or a lung or throat <\/a>infection. However, a cough is also a tell-tale sign of the flu. In the earliest stages, the cough may be dry and lack mucous and as it continues, you might notice more phlegm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The persistent cough that accompanies the flu may be hard to distinguish from a lung infection or bronchitis, except that in the latter case, the coughing feels more involuntary, is stronger and produces phlegm that may have various colors in it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have these symptoms it is important to seek medical help right away. To relieve your cough, plug in a vaporizer at night to make the air less dry, take cough drops or drink tea with honey and lemon. You may try cough medicine, but many traditional medicines may make you drowsy, so take them before you go to bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Body Aches
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When you have caught the flu, you may suddenly experience aches and pains and are not sure of their source. These aches can develop before a fever, and you may suspect you pulled a muscle <\/a>during a workout or while doing household chores. Body aches are so much a part of the flu, that few wonders why they accompany this illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason you may feel aches and pains is actually the result of white blood cells being released to fight the invasion of the virus. This is an important strategy your body uses to defend itself, but the chemicals released to power the white blood cells can also make your muscles feel achy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may feel better about this discomfort knowing that it is a sign your body is doing what it should be doing and fighting off the illness. Aches can also result from dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Fever
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You may feel tired and achy and have a cough, but once you touch your forehead and feel the warmth, you may be in denial about having the flu. In fact, some people who experience nausea might think they are experiencing food poisoning until a fever develops, then it is clear what is happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you pull the thermometer from your mouth and see if it is 100 degrees F or 38 degrees C, you can be sure you have a fever<\/a>. A fever is a sign that your body is fighting the flu, and is not worrisome in and of itself unless it reaches 103 F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extremely high fever, especially in young children, is a reason to seek medical care, but in cases of mild fever, there is no cause for alarm. You can allow the body to fight it out, or if you find it is unbearable, take some ibuprofen or another fever reducer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Chills
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In addition to feeling hot because of a flu-induced fever, you are likely to feel cold at the same time. These chills are another hallmark of the flu, although you can have a fever without chills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The body feels colder while it is simultaneously experiencing fever, because as the body raises its temperature <\/a>to prevent the reproduction of microbes, the body might chill off as a result of this fever, and you may shiver because of involuntary muscular movements intended to heat up the body. If you are cold from these chills, wrap yourself in a blanket and make yourself more comfortable, but the fever may also cause you to feel overheated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling that your body\u2019s thermostat is off-kilter is a common effect of the flu, but it may be easier to bear if you realize that these symptoms are a sign that the body is fighting the illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Diarrhea
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Diarrhea <\/a>may occur if you have the flu, but it is not one of the most common symptoms. However, certain strains of the virus may cause loose bowels and people may be vulnerable to diarrhea if they tend to have digestive problems from time to time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children have a tendency to have diarrhea as a symptom of the flu since their digestive systems are beginning to develop. If you have diarrhea without fever, you may be suffering from food poisoning or another condition rather than the flu. The issue of watery stools and frequent trips to the bathroom should disappear within a few days, but if it persists, you may need to see a doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition can be dangerous if it leads to dehydration since it means you are literally not getting food and water into your system. For some, a trip to the hospital may be necessary to restore fluids and nutrients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Vomiting
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Although the flu is often mainly associated with the respiratory <\/a>symptoms, stomach cramping and vomiting can be caused by a certain strain of the virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system. However, if your symptoms particularly affect your stomach and digestive system, you may not have the flu at all, but gastroenteritis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a different condition entirely that may appear to be the flu but is another form of a virus that causes inflammation of the intestines, the stomach, and the bowels. The flu usually disappears after a few days or a week, but if vomiting continues, it is important to seek medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive vomiting can cause severe dehydration that can lead to weakness, cramping, and dizziness. Try to replace fluids with electrolyte preparations to add to water. If several days have passed, see a doctor about how you can get enough fluids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Dehydration
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Dehydration <\/a>can be a result of the stomach flu which is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. These two symptoms can lead to a rapid loss of fluids which can lead to extreme thirst, dizziness, cramps and other problems. The body is comprised of 70% water and needs enough liquid to function properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When there is a rapid loss of fluids, it is important to make sure that the liquid is replaced somehow. If you are able to keep something down, ask your doctor about preparations you can purchase from the drugstore to replace essential minerals. In severe cases of stomach flu, especially in children, a hospital visit may be required to get liquids inserted intravenously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration can also result from influenza, which affects mainly the respiratory system because sweating from fever can cause a rapid loss of fluids. In addition, coughing can make it difficult to keep fluids down, and the result could be dehydration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Eye Redness and Pain
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Redness and inflammation <\/a>of the eyes can be an early symptom of the flu. The flu virus can affect the sinuses and can cause pressure and pain in the areas around the eyes. The sinus infection can spread to the eye and cause redness, pain and a watery appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eyes can also become watery and tear up because tears are a response to an infection and can help wash out the microbes. The tearing up is actually a sign that your body is fighting the infection, although the symptom can be irritating to deal with. Try eye drops to lessen redness and help out your eyes by adding moisture to help flush out the germs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cucumbers and cold spoons can help relieve hotness and inflammation and can make your eyes feel better when you are suffering from the flu. Cold green tea bags also release antioxidants that can help your eye fight the virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Running Nose
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As well as causing you to generally feel rough<\/em>, the flu is also responsible for triggering a lot of the same symptoms that we associate with colds and \u2018sniffles\u2019. These include sneezing<\/a>, a running nose, and more. In fact, many people don\u2019t fully understand the difference between a cold and flu, and will incorrectly use the two terms interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to identify flu then, you are looking for what is essentially a cold plus additional flu-like symptoms.
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The reason that you get these symptoms is that the infection has affected your mucus membrane. This is a membrane of mucus that runs through your entire digestive tract, from your mouth all the way down to your rectum. This helps to lubricate the passages and thereby to help the movement of food and other substances as they are eaten and digested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when this membrane becomes infected, it can result in the production of phlegm which in turn will \u2018bung you up\u2019, will stream from your nose, and more.
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11. Stuffed Sinuses
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Just as your mucus <\/a>membrane is going mad and you are coughing and spluttering everywhere, you\u2019ll also experience more issues caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinuses. These blood vessels (veins, capillaries, and arteries) can become swollen and this then makes it difficult for air, liquids, and anything else to travel normally around your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result can be not only a painful headache but also a strong pressure felt across your face. You might \u2018sound\u2019 congested when you try to talk, and you might even find that it affects your ability to hear properly.
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There are a number of things you can do to alleviate these symptoms. One good option is to use a humidifier which will increase the amount of moisture in the room to help break up the congestion. Another option is to take a warm shower or to hang your head over a bowl of hot water.
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12. Brain Fog
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Ah, the dreaded brain fog!
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While no one enjoys getting a cold <\/a>or flu, there is one advantage at least: time off of work! And you definitely should <\/em>take time off of work, seeing as you\u2019ll not only need to rest in order to get better but also in order to avoid spreading your infection to other people.
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But here\u2019s the rub: when you spend your time at home, you end up simply feeling miserable as a result. What\u2019s going on? Simple: you\u2019re experiencing brain fog. This is caused by inflammation. The body responds to any kind of foreign invader the same way \u2013 whether it\u2019s a cold, flu, or other infection, you will produce pro-inflammatory cytokines to try and drive out that infection and get back up to full health.
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The problem is that these cytokines affect the entire body indiscriminately and that includes the brain. This can cause swelling of the brain, which may lead to feelings of brain fog. It\u2019s why you can\u2019t concentrate on anything, and why you can\u2019t really enjoy anything either.
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13. Depression
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Another potential side effect of brain fog is depression<\/a>! That same inflammation has been linked with depression when it sticks around and becomes chronic, and so it stands to reason that even shorter bouts of inflammation might lead to low mood.
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And there are lots of other reasons that you might find yourself feeling low too. Of course, there\u2019s the fact that you\u2019re probably not going to be sleeping properly which leaves you even more sluggish. Then there\u2019s the constant pain and discomfort which is highly irritating. Then there\u2019s the low energy as all of your resources are directed toward driving out the bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, having the flu OR cold can cause you to feel low for a myriad of different reasons so you shouldn\u2019t be surprised if this is another symptom you experience.
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14. Contagion
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Finally, keep in mind that bad flu is likely to be highly contagious<\/a>. This can be useful when diagnosing the problem: ask yourself whether other people you know have suffered from the flu lately and potentially may have given you the infection. Likewise, ask yourself if other people seem to be picking it up.
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Keep in mind though that just because you don\u2019t spread the disease, that doesn\u2019t mean that the condition is not flu.
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Likewise, there are things you can do to minimize the spread \u2013 avoid sneezing or coughing without using a tissue, and keep washing your hands.
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