Influenza (flu) is a common condition characterized by infection in the throat, nose and/or lungs. Though the majority of people who contract the flu virus recover completely, approximately 36,000 people in the United States die each year from this virus, according to Medline Plus, an online health resource provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). You may want to seek additional medical care from your doctor if you develop common flu symptoms.
Fever
If you are infected by the flu virus, the first symptom you will likely develop is a high fever. When your body is invaded by a virus, your immune system initiates an increase in your body temperature in an attempt to kill the infection and prevent it from spreading. A fever caused by the flu virus typically ranges between 102°F and 106°F, according to Medline Plus. Children who have the flu are more likely than adults to experience high fevers, which can last up to five days.
Body Aches
The flu virus can cause symptoms throughout the body. As a result of this infection, you can experience sore or aching muscles, which can contribute to symptoms of fatigue and malaise. Flu symptoms typically last for four to seven days, according to Medline Plus.
Nasal Congestion
If you have the flu, you can develop respiratory symptoms within two to four days following infection. Nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms of the flu. Nasal congestion can lead to difficulty breathing through your nose and can contribute to symptoms of sore throat and nasal irritation in some patients.
Cough
If the flu infection affects your lungs, you can begin to experience symptoms of cough. Typically, the flu causes patients to develop a dry or hacking cough. Frequent coughing can cause additional symptoms to develop, such as chest pain or sore throat.
Nausea and Vomiting
Children who develop the flu may experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur in anyone who has the flu, but tend to be more common symptoms in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fatigue
If your body is infected by the flu virus, your immune system will redirect your body's energy to help fight off this infection. This decreases the amount of energy available to support the normal daily demands of your body and can cause you to feel abnormally tired or fatigued.
