Understanding Flu Symptoms

It can be hard to figure out when you have the flu and not just a cold. Look for these symptoms:

• Fever -- usually between 101 F and 102 F 
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Dry, hacking cough
• Aching muscles
• General fatigue and weakness
• Stopped up head
• Sneezing
• Headache

When to Call Your Doctor

• You have these symptoms, and you also have a weakened immune system because of cancer, diabetes, AIDS, or other conditions.
• You have symptoms and a serious illness like heart, lung, or kidney disease, brittle asthma, or chronic anemia. You’re more likely to have problems with the flu, and your doctor should watch you closely.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have a headache associated with a stiff neck.
• Your fever lasts more than 3 or 4 days, you get short of breath while resting, and you have chest pain. You may have pneumonia.
• Your nasal drainage is yellow or green and has lasted for more than 10 days. You could have a sinus infection.