Influenza Symptoms

Influenza (commonly called the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The information below describes common flu symptoms, how to protect yourself and those close to you from getting the flu, and what to do if you get sick with flu-like symptoms.

Be Aware of Common Flu Symptoms

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

Fever (usually high)
Headache
Tiredness (can be extreme)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.

SHOULD MY CHILD BE SEEN FOR FLU SYMPTOMS?

Patients are suspected of having the flu if they have fever and some or all of these symptoms:

Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
These children can be treated at home symptomatically.

If your child has symptoms of strep pharyngitis:

Fever
Sore throat
Absence of significant cough or runny nose
These children should be seen for a nurse visit to get a rapid strep test.

Is your child dehydrated?

Decreased tears
Dry mucous membranes
Not interactive to environment
Not urinating every 6-8 hours
Call the office to have your child seen.

Are there concerns for pneumonia?

Respiratory distress
Persistent fever >5 days or recurrence of symptoms
Increased respiratory rate

Call the office to have your child seen.

Is your child at high risk?

Persons of any age with certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions
Call the office.

Diagnosing the Flu

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone. A doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu or a complication of the flu. There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days of illness.

If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your healthcare provider. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.

CDC