Many illnesses cause flu-like symptoms. It can be difficult to determine if the illness a person is suffering from is actually the flu or something different. There are many strains of influenza, and it is extremely contagious. Most times the influenza virus is caused by a specific strain of virus, and there are no medications that can help cure it. It is common for doctors to simply prescribe rest and drinking plenty of fluids to treat influenza. However, the virus occasionally causes secondary bacterial infections to develop that can be treated with antibiotics.
Fever and Chills
One way doctors can determine if a patient has influenza rather than a regular cold is the onset of fever and chills. Medline Plus states that the everyday cold rarely causes a fever to occur. A fever is the body's natural defense against intruders. As soon as the virus enters, white blood cells are sent quickly to the virus to kill it. This causes the body temperature to rise. The influenza virus usually causes a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The chills will come when the fever goes down. This will happen intermittently during the illness.
Fatigue
The influenza virus is very hard on the immune system, which will cause the person to become extremely tired and weak. Fatigue is an occurrence of severe exhaustion for no apparent reason. One of the very first symptoms of influenza is fatigue. People may feel more tired than usual at the beginning and then become so tired they aren't able to leave the bed.
Loss of Appetite
It is common for those with influenza to experience loss of appetite. They may not want to eat anything for the first couple of days or for a week at a time. It is possible that a person will not want to eat after all the other symptoms have abated, as well.
Cough and Sore Throat
Most times patients will develop a dry cough with the flu. This can cause throat irritation. If mucus begins to build up in the chest and the cough is bringing up phlegm, it signifies a secondary bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. This is also true if there is green or yellow-colored nasal discharge.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
Diarrhea and vomiting are most common in children with influenza, but adults can experience this as well. The onset of these symptoms usually occurs within the first two days and clears up. Individuals with these symptoms should take care to not become dehydrated by keeping fluid intake constant.
