The signs and symptoms of the flu can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Dizziness
- Flushed face
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
The fever, aches, and pains begin to go away on days 2 through 4. But new symptoms occur, including:
- Dry cough
- Increased symptoms that affect breathing
- Runny nose (clear and watery)
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
The symptoms usually come on suddenly and can be severe, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. The symptoms typically last for about a week, but it may take several weeks to fully recover.
If you have emergency symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away. See a doctor if you:
- Have difficulty breathing;
- Experience chest pain as a result of coughing; or
- Are coughing up yellow, green or bloody phlegm.
- Have cough that won’t go away.
- Have Ongoing dizziness
- Have Seizures
- Have worsening of existing medical conditions
It’s important to note that some people with the flu may not have a fever, and some may have other symptoms, such as ear pain or chest pain. Additionally, symptoms may be more severe in certain populations, such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. If you suspect you have the flu, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially if you are at higher risk for complications.