Is it really the flu?
Our quick quiz helps you figure out if you really do have the flu, or just a nasty cold.
Check your symptomsThe flu can be associated with a variety of symptoms, some of which are common with other viral infections such as the common cold. However, flu symptoms are inclined to be more severe and prolonged, and there is a risk of developing complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Here, our immune system expert Dr. Jen Tan describes the different symptoms and complications of the flu, and when you need to seek help from your doctor.
Flu is caused by the influenza viruses. Although there are a few types of flu viruses, the same symptoms generally appear. These include:
These are very much the same symptoms as may be experienced with colds. However, in general, flu gives rise to more severe symptoms and a severe cold may sometimes be treated as flu.
Occasionally, severe flu symptoms may be experienced with the development of serious medical conditions or complications.
The length of flu infection will depend on the individual. Generally speaking, symptoms persist for about a week, although this can be much longer with a severe infection or in someone with a weakened immune system.
The first indication that you have the flu is often a sudden high temperature and fever. You may feel that you have achy muscles. Your temperature will probably go down within 48 hours.
After this, your symptoms may become more like a cold. You might suffer from a sore throat, and a dry cough. This is because your immune system is now releasing chemicals to attack the flu virus, but these chemicals irritate your respiratory system causing these symptoms. You may also start to have a runny nose. This reaction removes any cells from your body which your immune system has already killed.
You may begin to feel congested with a blocked nose after 3 or 4 days. This happens when the mucous discharge becomes thicker. This can cause a chesty cough as your body tries to get rid of the excess mucus. You may also experience a headache.
Eventually, by the end of the week, your symptoms should begin to subside and you will begin to feel like your normal self again. However, it can take a couple of weeks before you feel that you have fully recovered.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you have a bad cold or the flu.
To say that flu is caused by the influenza virus, and that a cold is caused by one of about 200 different viruses, is really no help at all. However, a look at the symptoms and how they arrive might make it easier to establish whether you are suffering from the cold or flu.
Cold symptoms generally appear gradually. You might have a sore throat for a couple of days before any other symptoms develop. With the flu, however, all the symptoms will hit you like a brick wall from day one. You are more likely to suffer a fever with the flu, and diarrhoea and vomiting are not uncommon.
Generally, it will not take long after your cold symptoms have gone to be up and running as usual. However, with the flu, you may still feel drained and fatigued for a week or more.
If you are normally healthy, then the flu may make you feel worn out while it runs its course, but it should not present any medical complications.
However, sometimes a complication of flu will develop, particularly if you have a weakened immune system. These include:
Weak immune function makes it more difficult for the body to withstand infection, so an early sign of a weak immune system is a tendency for the body to pick up infections such as colds and flu more easily.
This happens because a poorly functioning immune system can’t spot the nasty invaders efficiently. In addition, the immune system may also take longer to overcome bugs.
It is important to remember that people with weak immune systems such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical problems may suffer more severe symptoms with the flu, and are more likely to need medical attention.
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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Our quick quiz helps you figure out if you really do have the flu, or just a nasty cold.
Check your symptomsI’m the Immune System expert here at A.Vogel, and if you’re looking for flu treatment, I recommend Echinaforce® and Echinaforce® Hot Drink.
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