The flu, also known as influenza, is often mistaken for the common cold. Many of the symptoms may be the same but tend to come on much more quickly than they would with a cold. The flu is a viral infection that impacts the nose, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes. Knowing the common flu symptoms and signs may help patients determine whether they are suffering from a common cold or the flu.
Fever
Fever usually accompanies the flu, whereas it will usually not accompany the common cold. A fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit in adults and as high as 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in children is often seen with those infected with the influenza virus. The fever is a defense mechanism of the body and is a normal response as long as it is controlled and does not go above these temperatures.
Sweats and Chills
As the fever associated with the flu comes and goes, the infected individual may trend back and forth between sweating and experiencing chills.
Headache
Complaints of headache are common with influenza. Many patients complain when they have the flu that over-the-counter medication doesn't seem to relieve the headache as well as it does with the common cold.
Muscle Aches and Pains
Muscle aches and pains are symptoms of the flu. Doctors are able to help discern flu cases from colds by asking patients about aches and pains. With the flu, most aches and pains are found in the back, arms and legs but are not necessarily limited to these areas.
Cough
A cough usually accompanies the flu, although it is usually dry. A dry cough can be quite painful because of its unproductive nature and repetitiveness.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are often among the first flu symptoms, but they usually lingers until the illness passes. One day the patient may just be more tired than usual, and the next day he may not be able to get out of bed because he is so exhausted. The virus is taxing on the body, which is what causes the fatigue and weakness.
Loss of Appetite
Many patients will not have much of an appetite while they are infected with the flu. This may last for just a day or two, or for the duration of the illness.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
Diarrhea and vomiting are most common in children. These symptoms will usually last a day or two. Patients who continue to vomit or have diarrhea may need to be treated by a doctor to avoid dehydration.
