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Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center

Cold & Flu Related Topics

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Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center

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Influenza (Seasonal Flu) - Symptoms

The symptoms of influenza (flu) appear suddenly and often include:

Fever of 100°F (37.8°C) to 104°F (40°C), which can reach 106°F (41°C) when symptoms first develop. Fever is usually continuous, but it may come and go. Fever may be lower in older adults than in children and younger adults. When fever is high, other symptoms usually are more severe.
Body aches and muscle pain (often severe), commonly in the back, arms, or legs.
Headache.
Pain when you move your eyes.
Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness (malaise), and loss of appetite.
A dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat. You may not notice these during the first few days of the illness when other symptoms are more severe. As your fever goes away, these symptoms may become more evident.

Influenza usually does not cause symptoms in the stomach or intestines, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

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2009-10 Influenza (Flu) Season

Questions & Answers about the 2009–2010 Flu Season What sort of flu season is expected this year? Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways, including the timing of the beginning, severity, and length of the flu season. This flu season (2009-2010), there are more uncertainties than usual because of the emergence of a new 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (previously called "novel H1N1" or "swine flu") that has caused the first influenza pandemic (global outbreak of disease) in more than 40...

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Other conditions have symptoms similar to the flu, such as the common cold, bacterial infections, and infectious mononucleosis.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 04, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.