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Why Do Flu Symptoms Happen?

The flu (or influenza) is a contagious viral illness that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affects between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. Influenza symptoms are caused by the virus and your body's efforts to fight and eradicate the viral infection.

  1. Identifying Flu Symptoms

    • Flu symptoms usually emerge suddenly. The influenza virus commonly causes headache, fever (usually high), fatigue, cough, body aches, nasal congestion or runny nose and sore throat. Children commonly also have vomiting and diarrhea.

    Immune Response

    • A project completed at the University of Rochester's Center for Biodefense Immune Models allowed researchers to use computer simulation to examine the ways in which our immune systems react to the influenza virus.

    Inflammation

    • Once the influenza virus invades your body, your immune system will respond to help to protect your body from the harmful effects of the virus. This may cause inflammation (which can create headaches and a fever) as your body fights the virus.

    Treating the Flu

    • According to the CDC, you should avoid alcohol, tobacco, antibiotics and aspirin while battling the flu. Drink plenty of fluids, use medication to help alleviate symptoms (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or cough medicine for coughing) and get plenty of rest.

    Flu Prevention

    • Berkeley's University Health Center recommends frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water, avoiding touching your face, avoiding sharing any objects or equipment, covering your mouth with a tissue when sneezing/coughing and making sure to get adequate amounts of sleep to help support your immune system.

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