Influenza Virus Symptoms

Infections with the influenza virus is a common cause of illness and in some people, such as young children or the elderly, serious complications can occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, the influenza virus can make people feel sick for two weeks or longer by the time all symptoms have resolved. Influenza symptoms include exhaustion, muscle pains, very high fevers and digestive problems in children.

Fever

• Influenza infections may cause a very high fever that comes on suddenly. The Mayo Clinic has found that children with influenza may have fevers over 103 degrees F.

Aches

• Severe aches in the muscles of the arms, legs, back and neck are symptoms of infection with the influenza virus.

Malaise

• People sick with the flu often describe a feeling of "being run over by a truck" to describe the general, overall feelings of physical exhaustion caused by influenza.

Fatigue

• Extreme exhaustion, weakness of the muscles and difficulty with simple movements such as standing up or getting dressed are symptoms of influenza.

Headaches

• Headaches are a symptom of influenza virus infection that may be worsened by bright lights or loud noises.

Digestive

• Children with influenza may have digestive symptoms including loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea; children with these symptoms may become dehydrated.

Warning

• People with influenza who have symptoms such as painful breathing, coughing up thick mucus and very high fevers should seek emergency medical care due to possibly life threatening complications.