The seasonal influenza virus, or just the flu, as it's often called, causes symptoms that are severe and can put you out of commission for as long as a week. Flu symptoms typically strike suddenly and severely. While some antiviral flu treatments may provide relief and slightly speed up recovery time, there's no way to quickly recover from the flu. Many people who get the flu never receive treatment, and may not need anything except time and rest to get better.
High Fever
One of the characteristic symptoms of the flu is a high fever---over 102 degrees F. A low fever is typically characteristic of another illness, such as the common cold.
Cold-Like Symptoms
You may experience a stuffy, congested nose or a runny nose as a symptom of the seasonal flu. Coughing is also common with the seasonal flu. Headaches and aches all over the body, in the muscles and the joints, are common symptoms of the flu.
Fatigue, Vomiting & Diarrhea
Fatigue and tiredness from the flu can be severe, leaving you in bed for days without energy. Many people with the flu also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, although they tend to be more frequently seen in children.
Lack of Appetite
Loss of appetite is one of the classic symptoms of the flu. It's common to have no appetite, often because of an upset stomach and gastrointestinal symptoms related to the flu.
