It’s that time of year again, when the days grow shorter, colder, and illnesses abound. Among those illnesses is the Flu, also known as Influenza, an incredibly infectious and nasty respiratory infection caused by virus types A, B, and C. Victims of the flu are often ridden with its effects for 1 to 2 weeks, generally between the months of December and February, with the severest of symptoms subsiding after a few days. Of course, individual health and age are often directly correlated with symptom duration and illness intensity.
Consequently, it is essential to recognize and be aware of the main symptoms and signs associated with the flu. Outlined below, the top 8 and most precedent of those symptoms and what they entail are reviewed in detail.
1. Fever
A fever transpires when the body’s immune system is set off by pyrogens, which are fever-producing substances. One such pyrogen is the Flu virus.
The development of this symptom is oftentimes a clear sign that something is off in the body, and that pyrogen activity is occurring within it. With the flu, one of the most common symptoms is an abrupt fever that generally lasts 3-4 days.
Body temperatures exceeding 100.4 F are an especially clear indicator that the Flu virus may be present and taking hold. Unfortunately, medium and high-grade body temperatures are not uncommon, ranging from 102 F to 104 F. When the body’s internal thermostat reaches this level, it is usually best to pay a visit to the physician’s office or nearest emergency facility, especially if the patient is a child, an elder, and/or a person with other health complications.
2. Chills
Another tell-tale sign of Influenza is the rapid onset of body chills. We are all familiar with the shivers, which are often felt when the body is exposed to cold temperatures. However, when the Flu virus is present, abrupt chills occurring at periodic intervals is yet another sign that the body is fighting something that shouldn’t be there. While there is no medicinal aid that can help to relieve this symptom, wrapping up in a warm blanket can help. Additionally, keeping up on fluid intake with hot herbal teas can provide some relief.
3. Muscle Aches
Most individuals are familiar with the tenderness associated with achy muscles, especially after strenuous physical activity. However, when this tenderness is not associated with anything physical and is accompanied by aching joints as well, the Flu may be taking hold.
As two of the most common signs of the Flu, aching muscles and joints result when the immune system releases inflammatory substances into the bloodstream. Muscle aches and joint stiffness and soreness then ensue. While taking an anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve some of the discomfort associated with this symptom, if at any point muscle/joint swelling and redness transpire, reaching out to your physician or emergency medical center is strongly encouraged.
4. Cough
Much like with the common cold, a strong cough is often directly associated with the Flu. Unlike the common cold, however, the cough that is associated with the Influenza virus is much more intense and brought on seemingly out of nowhere.
Often, the cough associated with this viral infection is a dry one and will intensify quickly. Throat lozenges and over-the-counter decongestants can help to relieve this symptom, but if it continues to progress without relief, professional consultation by a doctor should be strongly considered.
5. Congestion
Also, directly associated with this respiratory infection are both chest and nasal congestion. A clear indicator that you are suffering from this symptom is when you experience excessive nasal drip/mucous and/or your lungs are expelling a significant amount of phlegm. A gurgling sound in the chest upon inspection with a stethoscope or when coughing is also a sign.
Congestion occurs when the membranes of your nasal and lung passages become inflamed, which results in excess mucous production as the body attempts to rid itself of irritants and other pathogens, such as the Influenza virus.
As with the other symptoms of the Flu, if congestion progressively becomes worse or intensifies over a short period of time, a trip to the physician is certainly warranted. Over-the-counter remedies or the use of a humidifier can help to relieve this symptom in the meantime and/or during recovery.
6. Runny Nose
In direct correlation with congestion is the next Influenza symptom, a runny nose. A runny nose ensues when the cell membranes produce large amounts of mucous to remove toxins, irritants, bacteria, and viruses from the body.
While this may seem like a good thing, as with any symptom of the Flu, if the nature of your runny nose intensifies in severity without relief from home remedies such as saline nasal spray, good old-fashioned rest, and/or over-the-counter decongestants, follow-up with a physician is strongly advised.
7. Headaches
When you are falling ill with the Flu and you think you couldn’t possibly be ridden with anymore discomfort, a headache is likely to follow. Headaches are strongly correlated with high internal body temperatures. As the Influenza virus cannot thrive or grow in high temperatures, what your body does is raise its internal thermostat to fight off the pathogen. The result is a fever, which causes the blood vessels to dilate, intensifying the pressure inside of your head. The result? The heaviness, pounding, and pain that comprise headaches.
8. Fatigue
Fatigue is defined as extreme and persistent exhaustion, and is a direct result of the compilation of all Flu symptoms. When associated with the Flu virus, this symptom does not merely entail a day or two of tiredness, but rather days or weeks of complete burnout. Fatigue can even persist long after the virus has passed from your body. This is because Influenza heavily taxes the immune system, using all energy reserves and muscle strength to rid the body of the pathogen.
If at any time this symptom results in loss of balance, dizziness, and/or light-headedness, coupled with the other associated symptoms of Influenza, immediate consultation with your physician is strongly encouraged.
