|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Typical Flu Symptoms

Influenza, or the flu, is caused by a virus that is found in both mammals and birds. Though fever and cough are the most common symptoms, the flu can also manifest in other ways. The flu is spread by the passage of virus particles from one person to another, usually by sneezing or coughing.

  1. Early Symptoms

    • The flu usually starts a few day after infection, with chills leading into a fever being the first symptoms. Usually the fever is between 100 and 103 degrees F.

    Other Symptoms

    • Body aches, headache, sore throat and stomach pain also are symptoms of the flu. Usually an infected person cannot get out of bed during the duration of the virus.

    Adults

    • Usually, diarrhea is not a symptom of the flu in adults. Viruses that cause gastrointestinal issues are not in the same family as influenza.

    Children

    • Symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting are more common in children with the flu.

    Everyone Has Different Symptoms

    • Everyone reacts to the flu differently. Old people, children and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk to develop serious symptoms and potentially death when coming down with the flu.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles