Signs & Symptoms of Mild Flu

Mild flu symptoms can put you out of commission -- and on medication -- for days if you're lucky, and a week or more if you're not. Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that affects between 5 percent and 20 percent of the people in the United States each year, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu-related complications lead to approximately 36,000 deaths annually.

High Fever

• High fever is one of the symptoms of the flu. According to the Mayo Clinic, an adult with the flu may have a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, while a child's temperature can be as high as 105 degrees. This can lead to other symptoms, such as chills and sweats.

  Because a fever helps fight infection, the Mayo Clinic recommends only rest and drinking a lot of fluids for adults aged 18 and over who have a fever of less than 102 degrees. For adults whose fever goes above 102 degrees, the Mayo Clinic recommends taking ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve any uncomfortable aches and pains. When it doubt, consult your physician.

  For children between the ages of 2 and 18, the Mayo Clinic recommends staying hydrated by drinking fluids and getting plenty of rest. If your child's temperature is under 102 degrees, the Mayo Clinic does not recommend giving her any medication. For temperatures that go above 102 degrees, the clinic suggests giving your child the recommended dosage of ibuprofen or acetaminophen and consulting your doctor if your child has a fever for more than three days. You should never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 18 because of its association with Reye's syndrome, a disease that can be fatal.

Cough and Congestion

• The CDC's list of flu symptoms includes coughing and congestion, which can mean a dry cough, a nose that runs or gets stopped up or a throat that's sore. According to Flu.gov, flu symptoms usually are worse than those associated with a common cold, with nasal congestion occurring more frequently in cold sufferers than in people with the flu.

Fatigue

• Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms of the flu. Aches and pains, weakness, headache and loss of appetite often accompany this fatigue. The Mayo Clinic recommends making sure that you're hydrated, getting plenty of rest and using a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It's best to speak with a doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter pain relievers. It's especially important to speak with a doctor before giving pain medication to children or teens, because unexpected side effects may result.

Upset Stomach

• Seasonal flu symptoms also can include such intestinal issues as diarrhea, vomiting or nausea. These flu symptoms occur more frequently in children than in adults, according to the CDC.