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Signs & Symptoms of Respiratory Influenza

Respiratory influenza, commonly known as "the flu," is a viral infection affecting the lungs and nasal passages. Symptoms are often confused with the common cold or other ailments, for which victims sometimes do not seek medical attention. This is dangerous, as the flu can be fatal if untreated, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. It is important to learn the distinguishing symptoms of respiratory influenza.

  1. Headache and Tiredness

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one sign of respiratory influenza is fatigue, characterized by headache and tiredness. These symptoms can be severe and an affected individual may feel incapable of functioning, due to an overwhelming need to sleep or rest. The accompanying headache may be severe as well, but sometimes it can be a dull ache. The headache often is accompanied by a sensitivity to light and pain behind and around the eyes.

    Scratchy Sore Throat and Cough

    • At the onset of the flu, sufferers may experience a scratchy sore throat accompanied by a dry, non-productive cough, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. This may not seem to be a severe symptom at first, and by itself it is not serious. However, flu patients may experience heightened pain after the first two or three days and the cough will become more persistent and productive. Many patients experience severe bronchial distress, finding it difficult to breathe.

    Runny or Stuffy Nose

    • Like with a cold, flu sufferers experience a runny or stuffy nose, a symptom known as rhinorrhea. This nasal distress is a symptom of the common cold as well. If the scratchy throat and runny nose are the limit of the symptoms, then the patient likely has a cold; however, these are initial symptoms that may worsen if respiratory influenza is present, according to the CDC. The eyes may secrete similar fluids as well.

    Fever

    • Merck Manuals Online Medical Library points out that fever is one of the indicators that the individual is dealing with something more serious than a cold. A fever, often high, is a consistent symptom of respiratory influenza. With the fever, the patient may experience chills, body aches (especially in the back and legs) and a magnification of the fatigue he felt at the onset of the illness. The fever generally lasts about five days.

    Diarrhea and Vomiting

    • This is seen more commonly in children than in adults, according to the CDC. However, diarrhea and vomiting can be present in either population and can be extreme. These symptoms appear with the presence of severe abdominal pain and may lead to dehydration. The patient may only experience vomiting or diarrhea, and the symptoms can last one to three days.

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