Once the flu season arrives, it is vital that you are prepared. Part of this preparation includes the yearly flu vaccine along with simple preventive measures to reduce the risk of acquiring the disease.
The symptoms of the flu tend to vary from one individual to another but most who have the condition will experience some, if not all of the common symptoms. If an individual is suspected with the flu, it is best to consult a doctor in order to determine the suitable course of treatment as well as preventive measures to avoid further spreading of the condition to others.
Fever and chills
Remember that fever is almost always present if an individual has flu and typically occurs abruptly. Once the individual has high fever, he/she is likely to experience chills. The higher the body temperature, the colder the air in the environment feels. This is the reason why the individual feels cold when having a fever. It is sad to note that if the individual bundles up while having a fever; it will only increase the body temperature which will not ease the condition.
Exhaustion
This involves an overall feeling of being fully exhausted. The individual might be unable to engage in daily activities. Take note that this exhaustion is much more evident than tiredness that one can feel from the common cold.
Aches and pains
One of the common descriptions of many individuals who have flu is the achy sensation. The muscles are typically sore and moving around can cause discomfort. Body pain and aches are quite common with the flu than with other conditions.
Coughing
The cough can be productive or non-productive, but it is usually a dry cough in most cases. In case the individual develops productive cough that is accompanied by fever, a doctor should be consulted.
Headache
It is important to note that headaches tend to occur with the flu and can be quite severe. Just like with the rest of the body, the head can ache if the individual has the flu.
Congestion
Severe congestion is common if the individual has common cold but most cases of flu can experience some congestion as well.
Vomiting and diarrhea
Always bear in mind that vomiting and diarrhea are not usual symptoms of flu in most cases. Nevertheless, some individuals can experience these symptoms. These are quite common among children with the flu but can also occur occasionally in adults as well. If the diarrhea and vomiting are the main and significant symptoms, the individual might have stomach flu, not the actual flu.
Once the individual experiences any of these symptoms of the flu, he/she should consult a doctor for proper assessment as well as start the ideal treatment to prevent the condition from worsening.