Flu Symptoms

What are flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms are unpleasant feelings caused by a seasonal virus. The symptoms depend on the type and severity of your illness. Knowing what to watch out for with flu symptoms and when to see a doctor can reduce your risk of developing serious complications.

What are examples of flu symptoms?

Common signs and symptoms associated with flu include:

• Fever 
• Chills
• Sweats
• Coughing
• Chest discomfort
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Eye pain

Flu symptoms range in severity from mild to serious and often appear abruptly. They can even become life-threatening in some cases when left untreated.

What complications can you experience with the flu?

While most people with the flu recover completely on their own after a few days or weeks, in some cases, the flu can cause serious complications. 

Examples include pneumonia, dehydration, ear infections, sinus infections, organ failure, and inflammation of your brain, heart, or muscle tissue. The flu can make ongoing medical problems, such as heart disease and asthma, worse.

What are the warning signs of emergency flu symptoms?

See your provider immediately if you or your child experience the following emergency flu symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Abdominal pain or pressure
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Not urinating
• Unsteadiness
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness
• Long-lasting cough or fever
• Fever over 104 degrees 
• Pale, gray, or bluish skin
• Worsening chronic medical problems

See your IAM Healthy provider immediately if you or a loved one experience severe symptoms or flu complications.

What are the risk factors for severe flu symptoms?

The flu is a common illness that many people experience from time to time. It can happen at any age, but some factors increase your risk of developing serious complications. 

Examples include being over age 65, having asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or another chronic disease, pregnancy, and being younger than age five.

How can I reduce my risk of contracting the flu?

While you can’t eliminate your risk of contracting the flu entirely, there are steps you can take to lower your chance of getting sick. Examples include avoiding large crowds, washing your hands often, not sharing utensils, and not touching your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Avoid being in close contact with people with flu symptoms, don’t smoke, and get a flu vaccine each year.

What are my flu treatment options?

Your IAM Healthy specialist can diagnose the flu by reviewing your symptoms and using a nasal swab. The team helps you manage flu symptoms and help you feel better. 

Treatment for the flu includes getting plenty of rest, drinking a lot of fluids, receiving IV fluids for dehydration (when needed), taking medications to reduce symptoms, and seeing your doctor at the first sign of flu complications.

If you have flu symptoms and want relief, call the IAM Healthy office today or book an appointment online.