Flu Symptoms Directory
Flu comes on suddenly. Symptoms vary. They may include fever, muscle aches, or weakness. Other symptoms include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. Doctors prescribe resting at home, drinking fluids, and avoiding contact with others. Pain medication like acetaminophen ease body aches. Antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) lessen the length of the illness if taken when symptoms begin. Shortness of breath or chest pain indicate complications and require immediate medical attention. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about what causes flu symptoms, what symptoms look like, how to treat them, and much more.
Medical Reference
Facts About Chronic Conditions and the Flu
Find out why the flu can be especially dangerous for people with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.
Flu Symptoms: How Do You Know When You Have It?
Which symptoms signal the flu - and when is it time to call the doctor?
Flu Treatment With Antibiotics
WebMD explains why you shouldn't take antibiotics for a flu.
How to Know When You Have the Flu
Learn more from WebMD about flu symptoms and a variety of flu treatments, including over-the-counter medicine, antivirals, alternative medicine, herbs, dietary supplements and acupuncture.
Features
Prescription Drugs for Heartburn and Reflux
WebMD explains the prescription drugs used to treat heartburn and acid reflux or GERD.
Covering Up Cold and Flu Symptoms: Beauty Tips
If you've got to look great despite your cold and flu symptoms, these beauty secrets will save the day.
Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever? The Truth Behind Mom's Cold and Flu Advice
Mom has a lot of advice when it comes to cold and flu. Here's what she's right about.
Coronavirus: Do You Need a Mask?
As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, protection is on everyone’s mind. Many celebrities have posted photos of themselves on social media wearing masks over their noses and mouths to try to ward off the virus.
Video
Teach Children About the Flu
If your kiddo has the flu, teach them how not to spread it and help them feel better.
Ways to Treat and Avoid Getting the Flu
The flu is way worse than a bad cold. Find out how to treat it, and better yet, avoid the virus altogether.
How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
A step-by-step guide to make your own hand sanitizer when there’s a shortage.
What We Can Do to Control Spread of COVID-19
As COVID-19 spreads, what habits should we practice in our daily lives to avoid infecting others? WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, speaks with U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams to address common questions and misinformation about this virus.
Blogs
What to Eat to Boost Your Immune System
Wouldn’t it be nice if eating a particular food could magically protect you against all the nasty bugs floating around? (Even better, if ...
Coronavirus Fears When You Have Diabetes
A couple of nights ago, I did what every scientific expert on COVID-19 virus has warned against: I panicked. After a day spent reading ...
What Is a 'Silent Spreader'?
In the avalanche of new terminology related to coronavirus, you might be hearing about 'silent spreaders' - but what does that term really mean? ...
Coronavirus in Context: How Hospitals Will Prepare for Surge of COVID-19 Cases
WebMD's Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, speaks with the President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine