3 Surefire Signs You Have The Flu
Most people know if they have a cold because it is such a common issue. Unfortunately, you may confuse the symptoms of the common cold to a more involved sickness, such as the influenza virus. Without proper understanding and the right diagnosis, the flu can be deadly. As a matter of fact, the CDC estimates 12,000 to 56,000 deaths may occur due to the flu each year. This guide will teach you a few surefire signs of the flu, so you will know whether you have this life-threatening virus or the common cold.
Fever
Most people will not have a fever along with a cold unless the cold has caused infections, such as a sinus or ear infection.
If a fever has seemed to develop suddenly along with a few other signs, you probably have the flu. Most people with a fever will also have chills. This is due to the body's higher temperature making the air feel cooler, resulting in the chills.
It is also important to note that many children with the flu will not develop a fever. If your child is displaying other signs, do not discredit the flu virus just because they do not have a fever.
Aches
If you have a cold, you will probably feel tired, but you may not experience any soreness. If you feel tired, achy, and sore, you most likely have the flu virus.
The immune system releases a variety of natural chemicals into the body to fight the virus, but these chemicals can also cause aches and soreness as they move through your bloodstream. The aches are actually a good sign that your body is trying to fight the virus.
Headaches
Your body will not be the only area that aches if you have the flu. Most people will also suffer from severe headaches.
In most cases, the headaches stem from your fever. As the body's internal temperature increases, blood vessels in your head and body dilate. This dilation causes pressure in the head, resulting in the throbbing pain of the headache.
Most people with the flu experience debilitating headaches that affect their ability to see, think, and even sleep.
In addition to taking medication to ease the flu symptoms, an over-the-counter ibuprofen can help relieve your headache.
The flu is one illness that should be taken very seriously. If you are experiencing one or more of these surefire signs, make sure to visit a medical clinic for testing.