Influenza Symptoms

This ailment needs the proper and immediate treatment since it could worsen when not given the proper attention at the outset.

First, know the different influenza symptoms. According to Flu.gov, flu symptoms include:

• A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of your illness to determine whether or not you have the flu.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, tiredness, and cough are more common and intense with the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.

Source: Flu.gov

There are also certain individuals who are more prone to suffer from infection and complications the moment that flu sets in. According to NPS.org, people who are at risk of catching the flu or the complications of infection include:

• children younger than 5 years old
• people aged 65 years or older and older people living in residential nursing homes
• people with heart or kidney disease, or a medical condition like type 2 diabetes
• pregnant women
• people who are very obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 35 or higher)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• people with severe asthma, breathing problems or a lung disease (e.g. cystic fibrosis)
• people with a disease affecting their muscles and/or the nerves that control them, and which can affect their ability to breathe (e.g. muscular dystrophy)
• people with a weakened immune system (e.g. people with HIV, people taking medicines to suppress their immune system)
• homeless people
• people who smoke.

Source: NPS

If you are among those who are at risk for complications and infection, better be vigilant of your health. That way, when flu season starts, you will be armed against it.

Influenza Symptoms is a post from: Natural Health Magazine