The flu can render even the strongest adults into a weakened condition and force them to bed. Fever, fatigue and chills are just a few of the symptoms. A stuffed nose and sore throat regularly come with the flu, as does diarrhea and vomiting. But it's those aches and pains that indicate you have the flu.
Headache
A headache can be the first symptom when you have the flu. It will start out as a slight throbbing in the front of your head and it gets steadily worse with more decisive pain emanating from both sides of your head. You may try to battle your way through the pain but all of a sudden you can't concentrate. Suddenly, the headache is overwhelming and you crave a darkened room where you can close your eyes. Aspirin or other pain relievers may bring some relief, but the pain usually returns in a few hours.
Back Ache
There's an overwhelming sense of fatigue that sets in once body aches start to develop. One of the first spots is your back. You feel dull, throbbing pain along your spine and find it difficult to move around or even do anything except lie down on the couch or in bed. Your back feels heavy and you don't want to do anything else.
Shoulders, Neck and Limbs
After the headache and back ache, a fever will probably set in when you have the flu. Stomach problems may develop and it's also likely that more achy pain will develop in your shoulders, neck and arms and leg. The CDC says that bed rest is best when you get the full impact of the flu overwhelming your body and that rest and fluids will give you the best opportunity of making a recovery and getting back to your normal activities.
