Early Signs of the Flu

Six Early Signs You May Have the Flu

Detecting early symptoms of the flu can prevent the spread of the virus and possibly help you treat the illness before it gets worse. Early symptoms can include.

  1. Fatigue
  2. Body aches and chills
  3. Fever
  4. Cough
  5. Sore throat
  6. Gastrointestinal problems

Sudden or excessive fatigue

Sudden or excessive fatigue is usually one of the earliest signs that you may have the flu. Fatigue is a common symptom of a cold but it is usually more severe with the flu. It is important to allow your body to rest so take a few day and rest as it can strengthen your immune system and help you fight the virus.

Body aches and chills

Body aches and chills are another common symptom of the flu. Body aches can appear anywhere in your body, however, they are most often noticed in the head, back and legs. If you have body aches, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Chills are common with the flu even before a fever develops. Wrapping yourself in a war blanket can increase your temperature and reduce chills.

Fever

A fever is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Flu-related fevers are typically 100°F (38°C) or higher. While a fever is a common symptom in early stages of the flu, not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Also, you might experience chills with or without a fever while the virus runs its course. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both effective fever reducers, but these medicines can’t cure the virus.

Cough

A persistent cough with or without wheezing and chest tightness may also be an early warning sign of the flu. Although rare in the early stages of the flu, you might cough up phlegm or mucus. Cough drops are a good way to calm a cough, it is also very important to stay hydrated with water and caffeine-free teas. Call your doctor is you have respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema or if you notice colored phlegm. Flu complications can include bronchitis and pneumonia. Remember to always cover your cough to prevent the spreading of the infection.

Sore throat

Flu-related coughing can quickly lead to a sore throat. Some viruses can actually cause a swollen throat without a cough. In the earliest stages of the flu, your throat may feel scratchy and irritated. You may also feel a strange sensation when you swallow food or drinks. If you have a sore throat, it will likely get worse as the virus progresses. Stock up on caffeine-free tea, chicken soup, and water. You can also gargle with 8 oz. of warm water, 1 tsp. of salt, and 1/2 tsp. of baking soda.

Gastrointestinal problems

Early flu symptoms can extend below the head, throat, and chest. Some strains of the virus can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting. Dehydration is a dangerous complication of diarrhea and vomiting. To avoid dehydration, drink water, sports drinks, fruit juices, caffeine-free teas, or broth.

Flu symptoms in children

The flu virus also causes the above symptoms in children. However, your child may have other symptoms that require medical attention. These can include:

· not drinking enough fluids

· crying with no tears

· not waking up or interacting

· being unable to eat

· having fever with a rash

· having difficulty urinating

It can be hard to know the difference between the flu and a cold in children. With both a cold and flu, your child can develop a cough, sore throat, and body aches, but symptoms are more severe with the flu. If your child doesn’t have a fever, it may be an indication that they have a cold instead. If you’re concerned about any symptoms your child has developed, you should call their pediatrician.

Emergency symptoms

The flu is a progressive illness. This means that symptoms will worsen before they get better. Not everyone responds the same to a virus. Your overall health can determine the severity of your symptoms. The flu virus can be mild or severe. Seek immediate medical care if you have the following symptoms:

· chest pain

· breathing difficulties

· bluish skin and lips

· severe dehydration

· dizziness and confusion

· recurring fever

· worsening cough

Recovery period

If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu, allow yourself a reasonable recovery period. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you don’t go back to work until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. Even if you don’t have a fever, you should still consider staying home until other symptoms improve. It’s safe to return to work or school when you can resume normal activity without getting tired. The recovery rate varies. Even after feeling better, you might experience a lingering cough and fatigue for a few weeks. Always see a doctor if the flu comes back or gets worse after an initial recovery.

Protect yourself

During flu season, protecting yourself from viruses is a top priority. The flu virus can spread through saliva droplets that are projected when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can reach people and surfaces up to 6 feet away. You can be exposed by breathing air containing these droplets or by touching objects that these droplets have landed on.

Prevention

The good news is that the flu virus is preventable. Getting a flu shot every year is one of the best ways to protect yourself. The flu shot is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, including pregnant women. Other preventive measures include:

· avoiding close contact with sick people

· staying home if you’re sick, especially if you have a fever

· covering your cough to protect others

· washing your hands

· limiting how frequently you touch your mouth or nose