The seasonal flu, or influenza, is a contagious illness affecting the respiratory system that is caused by the influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year. This can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, even death. Yearly outbreaks usually occur during the fall, winter and early spring, and include a variety of symptoms that, if ignored, can lead to serious health complications.
Aches and Pains
The seasonal flu is characterized by a fever, which can often times be high, according to Flu.gov. In fact, FitSugar.com states that a fever can get as high as 104 degrees F and last for three to four days. Extreme exhaustion or feelings of tiredness, along with a headache and muscle aches, usually accompany this fever and even linger after the fever breaks. Many people with season flu complain of a sore throat.
Cold-Like Symptoms
Cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough and runny or stuffy nose, also appear. The cough tends to make the sore throat more painful. Since both the cold and flu are respiratory illnesses, it is not surprising that they have similar symptoms. Generally speaking, however, Flu.gov points out that the symptoms associated with the flu are much more severe versions of what one finds with a cold. With the flu, the fever, exhaustion and body aches are much more intense, while a stuffy or runny nose seems to be a dominant symptom of a cold.
Stomach Symptoms
Many people complain of stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, while they have the flu. According to the CDC, these symptoms tend to be more common in children than in adults.
