Viral Influenza Symptoms

Viral influenza, or "the flu," is a common virus which infects thousands of people each year. Influenza has a seasonal pattern, and generally is at a high point during the winter, and in remission during the summer, though it is possible to contract flu at any time. Influenza viruses change over time, and the symptoms of any given strain might be slightly different, or manifest differently in different people. That said, there are several symptoms that commonly occur in conjunction with most cases of flu.

Cold-Like Symptoms

• The flu has many symptoms which are also caused by the common cold, which can make it easy to confuse the flu with a cold. Each type of virus often begins with sore throat, which is often more pronounced in the morning. A stuffy or runny nose, and frequent coughing and sneezing are other symptoms common to both types of viral infections. In contrast to the cold, which often takes several days or even a week for the full range of symptoms to appear, flu usually onsets faster.

High Fever

• While common colds can cause fevers on occasion, a telltale sign of flu is contracting a high fever--a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit for adults. Children often experience even higher fevers when they contract flu. Such high fevers are likely to make you feel low on energy and miserable, and can persist for days. Fevers that result from colds are usually less severe and shorter in duration.

Aches

• One group of symptoms which differentiate flu from the common cold are headaches and muscular aches. The flu often causes sinus headaches, while this is more rare for the common cold. The flu can also cause body aches, often in the back or the muscles of the limbs. Body aches are not usually associated with the common cold, so aches accompanying cold-like symptoms indicate the flu virus.

Malaise

• The flu virus is usually accompanied with a strong feeling of malaise, which can be very debilitating. Overall fatigue and weakness and a lower than normal appetite are common. Digestive issues like throwing up and diarrhea are also possible. Usually, someone with the flu will feel unable to participate in physical activities, while colds will often not detract significantly from energy levels and physical prowess.

Hot and Cold Spells

• Another symptom which can accompany the flu are hot and cold spells. At one point you might feel chilled and shiver constantly, even when covered with many blankets, while at another you might feel very hot due to fever and being covered up, and sweat excessively. While the flu is a fairly common virus, it is serious and results in thousands of deaths each year. If you suspect you have the flu, it is best to contact your doctor immediately.