Flu
Symptoms of flu
Source: NHS
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The symptoms of flu usually develop within one to three days of becoming infected. Most people will feel better within a week.
However, you may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a further couple of weeks.
Main symptoms
Flu can give you any of the following symptoms:
- a sudden fever a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
- a dry, chesty Cough
- a headache
- tiredness and weakness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain
- nausea and vomiting
- a sore throat
- a runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
Is it flu or a cold?
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have flu or just a cold, as the symptoms can be quite similar. The main differences are:
Flu symptoms:
- come on quickly
- usually includefever and aching muscles
- make you feel too unwell tocontinueyour usual activities
Cold symptoms:
- come ongradually
- mainly affect your nose and throat
- are fairly mild, so you can still get around and are usually well enough to go to work
When to visit your GP
If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there's usually no need tovisit your GPif youhave flu-like symptoms.
You should just rest at home until you feel better, while keeping warm, drinking plenty of water and taking painkillers if necessary.
Consider visiting your GP if:
- you're 65 years of age or over
- you're pregnant
- you have a long-term medical conditionsuch as diabetes , heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or aneurological disease
- you have a weakened immune systemfor example, because you're having chemotherapy orhave HIV
- you develop chest pain , shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or start coughing up blood
- yoursymptoms are getting worse over time or haven't improved after a week
In these situations, you may need extra treatment to prevent or treat complications of flu .
Articles for Flu
Complications of flu
Complications of flu mostly affect people in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those who have a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system.
Introduction
Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you'll usually begin to feel better within about a week.
Preventing flu
There are three main ways of preventing flu: good hygiene, such as handwashing and cleaning, the flu vaccination and antiviral medication.
Symptoms of flu
The symptoms of flu usually develop within one to three days of becoming infected. Most people will feel better within a week. However, you may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a further couple of weeks.
Treating flu
Usually, you can manage flu symptoms yourself at home and there's no need to see a GP. Most people feel better within a week. You can look after yourself at home by resting, keeping warm and drinking plenty of water.