Symptoms of Flu Indicators
Do you know the difference between the flu symptoms and common cold? Often times, the symptoms of flu can be very similar to that of a common cold so knowing the difference can be very helpful. The flu is caused by a wide variety of viruses and is classified as an acute respiratory infection. If you have any chronic medical conditions it will be necessary to seek treatment as soon as possible.
If treated early enough, a doctor can prescribe an antiviral drug. These drugs are most beneficial within forty-eight hours and are capable of reducing the duration of the flu as well as alleviating many common symptoms of a flu.
Symptoms of the flu and colds can be similar but learning how they differ can help in the event you start experiencing them. Unlike the common cold, symptoms of flu tend to appear very suddenly. These generally include an abrupt fever, headache, body ache, and fatigue. Fevers that accompany symptoms of flu are usually high, in contrast a fever from a cold rarely gets above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional symptoms of flu may include appearing sick with flushed skin and watery eyes, a dry cough, sore throat, and in some cases a discharge from the nose. Discharge tends to be watery instead of mucus common to the cold.
In children, symptoms will include fevers that are very high, reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. They may also experience chills, and all other symptoms of adults. In addition, children are more likely to get gastric symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
In very young children like toddlers and infants, vomiting and diarrhea are very prominent. Other symptoms may mimic other respiratory infections. Young children are at risk for complications from the flu so it is advised that they be given the seasonal flu vaccine.
There can be complications that arise from the flu. In children especially, ear infections can become a problem if left untreated. In both children and adults dehydration and developing bacterial pneumonia can occur. Chronic health problems can both be agitated while suffering from the flu as well as worsened.
The seasonal flu and H1N1 both have different symptoms. Gastric symptoms are common in children and adults with H1N1. Seasonal flu symptoms develop within one to four days from exposure to the virus. Since symptom of flu do develop so quickly know of treatment options in advance.
While most people can recover from the flu high risk individuals can become very sick and death can occur. High risk individuals are encouraged to get the flu vaccine, these include elderly, young children and people with health conditions.
It can be difficult to self diagnose based on symptoms of flu , many symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections. For this reason it is beneficial to visit a doctor. There are tests to determine if you have the flu or rule out other infections as well. If caught early, your doctor will than be able to prescribe an antiviral to help.
