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Do I Have the Flu?

Flu Symptoms are common symptoms that can be brought on by any common cold. They range from mild symptoms such as head and muscle aches to more severe symptoms such as high fever and extreme tiredness. These symptoms don’t stop there though. There are many other things to look for when diagnosing the flu. Keep in mind that these symptoms can be diagnosed as other illnesses as well as the flu. Having one or more of these symptoms merely suggests you be tested by a doctor before starting treatment.

*     Fever- A fever with the flu is usually very high. It can come on very suddenly and can cause chills. This usually means there is some sort of infection your body is trying to ward off, but it is one of the main flu symptoms.

*     Headache- Pounding in your head can mean a number of things but is one thing to look for when you think you may have the flu.

*     Tiredness- Everyone gets tired, but tiredness from the flu is extreme. You may be tired, but being tired from the flu makes you not even want to move.

*     Cough- Coughing can mean a number of things so you want to look for this symptom in conjunction with other flu symptoms.

*     Sore Throat- As with coughing, sore throats can mean more than one thing.

*     Body Aches- These aches and pain will be out of the ordinary. It can be in places that have never hurt before or can be in places that hurt a lot of the time, just happen to hurt worse than usual.

*     Vomiting and Diarrhea- This is more common in children than in adults but can be flu symptoms for anyone.

*     Runny or Stuffy Nose- These symptoms, like some of the others listed here, should not be the only thing that determines whether or not you need to be tested for the flu.

The symptoms listed above are only a guideline on what to look for in the flu. They can be mild or severe and can come on very suddenly. They also can worsen very suddenly. If these symptoms are caught within the first two or three days, doctors can run tests to determine if you have the flu or not. If not caught in time, flu symptoms can lead to pneumonia and severe dehydration. In some cases it has proven to be fatal. People with certain health conditions (for example: asthma or diabetes), women who are pregnant and young children should be especially careful. Seasonal flu shots are usually available in your state at the beginning of flu season.

A person can infect others a day before coming down with flu symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick. It is important to know what to look for and how to take care of yourself so that you may protect yourself and others from getting the flu. Be sure and consult your physician if you have any questions or believe you may be coming down with the flu.

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