What is the difference between the symptoms of regular flu and the stomach flu? How can you tell if you have the flu or a more serious condition like pneumonia? What are the emergency warning signs for adults and children that require immediate medical attention?

Understanding the Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Its common symptoms of fever, body aches, and fatigue can leave many confined to bed until they recover. Flu symptoms typically appear suddenly and can be quite severe, but they generally go away within one to two weeks. However, the flu can lead to serious complications, especially in high-risk individuals.

Recognizing the Common Flu Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever over 100.4째F (38째C)
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Body and muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

While most symptoms will taper off within one to two weeks, a dry cough and general fatigue can last several more weeks. Other possible flu symptoms include dizziness, sneezing, and wheezing. Nausea and vomiting are not common in adults, but they sometimes occur in children.

Differentiating the Flu from the “Stomach Flu”

It’s important to know the difference between the symptoms of regular flu and the “stomach flu,” which is actually viral gastroenteritis (GE). Gastroenteritis is caused by viruses other than influenza viruses, so the flu vaccine will not prevent it. Common symptoms of viral GE include mild fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are not typically associated with the influenza virus, except sometimes in small children.

Recognizing Serious Flu Complications

One of the most serious flu-related complications is pneumonia, which is inflammation in the small lung airways caused by the infection. Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in high-risk individuals or if left untreated. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Severe cough with large amounts of phlegm
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fever higher than 102째F (39째C) that persists, especially if accompanied by chills or sweating
• Acute chest pains
• Severe chills or sweating

Untreated pneumonia can lead to serious complications and even death, especially in older adults, tobacco smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.

Seeking Emergency Medical Care for the Flu

Adults should seek immediate emergency treatment if they experience any of the following severe flu symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or abdominal pain or pressure
• Dizziness that is sudden or severe
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Vomiting that is severe or constant
• Symptoms that disappear and then reappear with a worsened cough and fever

For infants and children, you should seek emergency care if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Irregular breathing, such as difficulties breathing or rapid breathing
• Blue tint to skin
• Not drinking an adequate amount of fluids
• Difficulty waking up, listlessness
• Crying that gets worse when the child is picked up
• Flu symptoms that disappear but then reappear with a fever and a worsened cough
• Fever with a rash
• Loss of appetite or an inability to eat
• Decreased amount of wet diapers

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Certain groups are at a higher risk for flu complications, including those under 5 years old (especially those younger than 2), those 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems. It’s important for these high-risk individuals to contact their doctor if they experience any flu symptoms, as they may require prompt medical treatment to prevent serious complications.

Staying Informed and Seeking Prompt Medical Attention

Understanding the symptoms of the flu, recognizing serious complications like pneumonia, and knowing when to seek emergency care can help you and your family stay healthy during flu season. If you have any concerns about your or your child’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance and proper treatment.

Headache, Sore Throat, Chills, and More

What is the flu?

The flu’s common symptoms of fever, body aches, and fatigue can leave many confined to bed until they get better. Flu symptoms will show up anywhere from one to four days after infection.

They often appear suddenly and can be quite severe. Luckily, symptoms generally go away within one to two weeks.

In some people, especially those at high risk, the flu may lead to complications that are more serious. Inflammation in the small lung airways with infection, known as pneumonia, is a serious flu-related complication. Pneumonia can be life threatening in high-risk individuals or if left untreated.

The most common symptoms of the flu are:

• fever over 100.4˚F (38˚C)
• chills
• fatigue
• body and muscle aches
• loss of appetite
• headache
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose

While most symptoms will taper off one to two weeks after onset, a dry cough and general fatigue can last several more weeks.

Other possible symptoms of the flu include dizziness, sneezing, and wheezing. Nausea and vomiting are not common symptoms in adults, but they sometimes occur in children.

Individuals at high risk for flu complications include those who:

• are under 5 years old (especially those younger than 2 years old)
• are 18 years old or younger and taking medications containing aspirin or salicylate
• are 65 years old or older
• are pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum
• have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40
• have Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native) ancestry
• live in nursing homes or chronic care facilities

People who have weakened immune systems due to health conditions or the use of certain medications are also at a high risk.

People at high risk for flu complications should contact their doctor if they experience any flu symptoms at all. This is especially true if you have a chronic health condition like diabetes or COPD.

Older adults and those with compromised immune systems might experience:

• breathing difficulties
• bluish skin
• severely sore throat
• high fever
• extreme fatigue

Severe symptoms

You should contact your doctor as soon as possible if flu symptoms:

• worsen
• last more than two weeks
• cause you worry or concern
• include a painful earache or fever over 103˚F (39.4˚C)

When adults should seek emergency care

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should seek immediate emergency treatment if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• chest or abdomen pain or pressure
• dizziness that is sudden or severe
• fainting
• confusion
• vomiting that is severe or constant
• symptoms that disappear and then reappear with a worsened cough and fever

When to seek emergency care for infants and children

According to the CDC, you should seek medical care immediately if your infant or child has any of the following symptoms:

• irregular breathing, such as difficulties breathing or rapid breathing
• blue tint to skin
• not drinking an adequate amount of fluids
• difficulty waking up, listlessness
• crying that gets worse when the child is picked up
• no tears when crying
• flu symptoms that disappear but then reappear with a fever and a worsened cough
• fever with a rash
• loss of appetite or an inability to eat
• decreased amount of wet diapers

Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu. This is especially true for certain high-risk groups, including people over 65, young children, and people with already weakened immune systems.

Visit an emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of pneumonia, including:

• a severe cough with large amounts of phlegm
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• fever higher than 102˚F (39˚C) that persists, especially if accompanied by chills or sweating
• acute chest pains
• severe chills or sweating

Untreated pneumonia can lead to serious complications and even death. This is especially true in older adults, tobacco smokers, and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is particularly threatening to people with chronic heart or lung conditions.

An illness commonly known as the “stomach flu” refers to viral gastroenteritis (GE), which involves inflammation of the stomach lining. However, stomach flu is caused by viruses other than influenza viruses, so the flu vaccine will not prevent stomach flu.

In general, gastroenteritis can be caused by a number of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as noninfectious causes.

Common symptoms of viral GE include mild fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. On the other hand, the influenza virus doesn’t typically cause nausea or diarrhea, except sometimes in small children.

It’s important to know the difference between the symptoms of regular flu and the stomach flu so you can get proper treatment.

Young children, the elderly, and those with poor immune system function are at higher risk for complications related to untreated viral GE. These complications can include severe dehydration and sometimes death.

Unlike bacterial infections, the influenza virus is best treated with bedrest. Most people feel better after a few days. Fluids, such as the following, are also helpful in treating symptoms of the flu:

• water
• herbal tea
• brothy soups
• natural fruit juices

In some cases, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication. Antiviral drugs don’t get rid of the flu entirely, as they do not kill the virus, but they may shorten the course of the virus. The medications may also help prevent complications such as pneumonia.

Common antiviral prescriptions include:

• zanamivir (Relenza)
• oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• peramivir (Rapivab)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved a new medication called baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) in October of 2018.

Antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms in order to be effective. If they’re taken during this time period, they can help shorten the length of the flu.

Prescription medications for the flu are generally offered to those who may be at risk for complications. These drugs can carry the risk of side effects, such as nausea, delirium, and seizures.

Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever relief, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

The best way to avoid flu symptoms is to prevent the spread of the virus in the first place. Anyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccination.

Flu shots are also recommended for pregnant women. While not completely foolproof, the flu vaccine can significantly decrease your risk for catching the flu.

You can also prevent getting and spreading the flu by:

• avoiding contact with others who are sick
• staying away from crowds, especially at peak flu season
• washing your hands frequently
• avoid touching your mouth and face, or eating foods before washing your hands
• covering your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue if you need to sneeze or cough

It can take up to two weeks for flu symptoms to completely go away, though the worst of your flu symptoms usually begin subsiding after a few days. Talk to your doctor if flu symptoms last longer than two weeks, or if they disappear and then reappear worse than before.

Flu – NHS

Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re advised to.

Check if you have flu

Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

• a sudden high temperature
• an aching body
• feeling tired or exhausted
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• a headache
• difficulty sleeping
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea or tummy pain
• feeling sick and being sick

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.

Telling the difference between cold and flu

Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.

How to treat flu yourself

If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly.

A pharmacist can help with flu

A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.

Do not take paracetamol and flu remedies that contain paracetamol at the same time as it’s easy to take more than the recommended dose.

Information:

Antibiotics

GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You or your child have symptoms of flu and:

• you’re worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
• you’re 65 or over
• you’re pregnant
• you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
• you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
• your symptoms do not improve after 7 days

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you:

• get sudden chest pain
• have difficulty breathing
• start coughing up a lot of blood

How to avoid spreading the flu

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days.

Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu:

• wash your hands often with warm water and soap
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• bin used tissues as quickly as possible

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

See how to wash your hands correctly

Video: how to wash your hands

Watch this video to find out the best way to wash your hands.

Media last reviewed: 15 March 2023
Media review due: 15 March 2026

How to get a flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are safe and effective. They’re offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.

The best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn before flu starts spreading. But you can get vaccinated later.

Adults who can have a flu vaccine

A flu vaccine is given to people who:

• are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by 31 March 2023)
• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Children who can have a flu vaccine

The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is given to:

• children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020)
• all primary school children
• some secondary school children
• children aged 2 to 17 with certain health conditions

Babies and children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions will be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.

Where to get a flu vaccine

You can have an NHS flu vaccine at:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy offering the service (if you’re aged 18 or over)
• some maternity services if you’re pregnant

Sometimes, you may be offered a flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.

School-aged children will be offered a vaccine at school or a community clinic.

Important

Due to high demand for a flu vaccine, there may be some delays getting a vaccination appointment. Your GP surgery or pharmacy should be able to tell you when more appointments are available.

Information:

Find out more about the flu vaccine:

• adult flu vaccine
• children’s flu vaccine

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2022
Next review due: 05 September 2025

Aches and fever: the symptoms of COVID-19 are named in the “omicron” strain

A doctor from South Africa named the main symptoms of a new strain of coronavirus. According to Unben Pillay, COVID-19, caused by the ‘micron’, resembles the flu. The disease proceeds mainly in a mild form. Previously, doctors noted among the symptoms of the disease from a strain found in Africa such as fatigue and increased heart rate. A distinctive feature of “omicron” is its increased infectivity and ability to bypass vaccines.

The main symptoms of infection with the “omicron” strain of coronavirus are similar to the flu. This is reported by Bloomberg with reference to a doctor from South Africa Unben Pillay .

“We have seen patients with flu-like symptoms, dry cough, fever, night sweats and body aches. Reminiscent of cases of past waves of covid,” he said.

South African epidemiologist Salim Abdul Karim said in turn that existing treatments for COVID-19 are still effective in combating the Omicron strain.

Easy to confuse

Infection with the Omicron strain is characterized by severe fatigue and headaches, but these symptoms may also be indicative of other illnesses.

“Weakness and headache are typical symptoms of any type of SARS, they arise due to the production of inflammatory mediators. COVID-19 can affect any organs and systems and lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases. The new variant of the virus is no exception. Indeed, it is known that there are features between the clinical manifestations of different variants of the virus, but the severity of the course, as well as the consequences of the new omicron variant, are still being studied, ”she said in an interview with “Gazetoy.Ru” immunologist Maria Polner.

Candidate of Medical Sciences, immunologist Nikolai Kryuchkov also noted that the new strain is easily confused with the common cold.

“Based on clinical signs, coronavirus is quite easy to confuse with other SARS. Although it may be SARS, which this season will be much more than last. Rhinovirus, influenza and adenovirus – all these symptoms will be, ”he said.

This is not Ebola

Fatigue syndrome or common SARS: what can be confused with “omicron”

Omicron-specific symptoms such as headaches and chronic fatigue can. ..

November 29 19:10

Three days earlier, Ancha Baranova, a professor in the School of Systems Biology at George Mason University, said the omicron strain was not a new Ebola.

“Doctors observed the virus in the young population, there were very strange symptoms, but not terrible. We have not yet seen how the virus manifests itself in the elderly, but this is not Ebola, ”said the doctor of biology in a conversation with TASS.

She noted that the symptoms were “monstrous” fatigue and fever. Cough and snot don’t start.

Physicians from South Africa also listed the symptoms characteristic of the “omicron” strain. When infected with this type of coronavirus, smell and taste do not disappear, but fever and loss of strength are characteristic. Most patients have palpitations.

In a conversation with “Lenta.ru” chief researcher of the N.I. Gamaleya Anatoly Altshtein said that a new type of coronavirus “may be the most fearless.”

“All the people who were found to have this “omicron” had a mild infection, the disease was mild with rather unspecific symptoms: fatigue and low temperature. I think that as we learn about the “omicron”, the list of these symptoms will expand,” the scientist added.

At the same time, it is not yet clear how elderly patients tolerate infection with the “omicron” strain.

In a conversation with RBC, infectious disease specialist Nikolai Malyshev noted that now one can hope for effective opposition to the new strain of coronavirus vaccines available on the market.

However, it is possible that immunity from vaccination will be weaker. According to Professor Malyshev, the “omicron” strain appeared quite recently, so it’s too early to talk about its supervirulence.

There is no Omicron in Russia yet, but quarantine will not hurt

Head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova said that there are no new strains of coronavirus infected in Russia yet…

November 30 22:05

The chairman of the World Medical Association (WMA), Frank Ulrich Montgomery, had recently expressed the opinion that a new strain of the omicron coronavirus could become as dangerous as the Ebola virus. Due to several dozen mutations, the strain differs from the “delta” strain, which has become dominant throughout the world since last summer. Therefore, it is likely that “omicron” will be more easily transmitted from person to person, infecting even vaccinated people.

how to recognize the coronavirus and tell it apart from the common cold

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory infection, so symptoms can be similar to SARS or the flu. This malaise, loss of appetite, headache, fever. The main method that confirms the diagnosis is PCR (polymerase chain reaction). With the help of PCR, the genome of a microbe is isolated even with its negligible amount. For research, a smear is taken from the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract.

If the infection has descended into the lower respiratory system, use a blood test for antibodies. The first 5-6 days the analysis is not indicative, because the body needs time to produce antibodies.

Symptoms of coronavirus in an adult

The incubation period is 2-14 days. Recently, doctors are increasingly observing the appearance of the first symptoms 2-3 days after infection.

1 day. Apathy, lethargy, headache, muscle pain. The weakness may be so severe that it is difficult for the patient to move. This symptom is decisive, because with other viral infections, a similar reaction of the body is not observed.

2nd day. Pain when swallowing, indigestion (nausea, diarrhea), the temperature rises and falls. If the patient is weakened, has chronic diseases, the symptoms of coronavirus may be more pronounced.

3-5 days. The virus continues to actively multiply, penetrating into healthy cells and copying itself tens of thousands of times. Immunity is gradually depleted. If treatment is not started during this period, then the likelihood of complications is high. There is a slight cough, fever. Perhaps the disappearance of smell, a change in taste sensations.

5-11 days. With a mild form, after the 5th day, the disease subsides, the condition improves. In severe cases, the state of health worsens. Nasal congestion intensifies, cough becomes debilitating, shortness of breath appears, body aches. Complications during this period are associated with the development of a bacterial infection. Often inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) begins, damage to the heart, liver, and organs of the digestive tract is possible.

Day 11-12. Paleness of the skin and mucous membranes, pressing pain in the chest, shortness of breath, increasing weakness. The lungs do not cope with their function, oxygen starvation sets in. During this period, hospitalization is mandatory.

12-14 days. More than half of patients after 2 weeks from the onset of the disease are on the mend. If the course of the disease is complicated, artificial ventilation of the lungs is required.

Symptoms of covid in children

Children usually tolerate coronavirus infection more easily than adults. Possible asymptomatic carriage. Signs depend on age. But it must be remembered that the clinical picture can be individual.

• Up to 3 years – mild malaise, loss of appetite. Pass in 2-3 days.
• 3-7 years – rare sneezing, slight runny nose, sometimes hoarse voice. Recovery for 6-7 days.
• 7-16 years – dry cough, low fever. Rarely headache.

Features of covid symptoms

Fever. In most cases, the temperature rises slightly (up to 37-37.5 degrees), on days 6-7 – up to 38 degrees. If the fever increases to 39-40 degrees, this signals the development of pneumonia. If the temperature from the first days reaches high levels (more than 38 degrees), then the disease is serious.

Weakness and aches in the joints. Occur with general intoxication of the body. With coronavirus infection, they are very pronounced, but can proceed without an increase in temperature. A sharp weakness is often the first symptom that should alert.

Sore throat. Accompanied by dry mucous membranes and perspiration. When swallowing does not cause severe discomfort. Tonsils without purulent plaque, as in angina and tonsillitis.

Cough. Appears in the first week of illness. It is dry, debilitating, accompanied by chest pain, fever. Then shortness of breath develops, rapid, shallow and labored breathing. The patient complains of lack of air. Sputum appears in later stages, sometimes with blood.

Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) is the most common complication of the coronavirus. A feature is not always high, in some cases normal and even low temperature. It develops rapidly, so it is sometimes difficult to diagnose using conventional x-rays.

Other symptoms. Complete or partial loss of smell is a specific, but not mandatory, symptom of coronavirus disease. In overweight people, hypertensive patients and diabetics, blood pressure often rises, arrhythmia and tachycardia (increased heart rate) occur. There is a risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Rare symptoms

In mild form: chills, loose stools, skin rashes, conjunctivitis and redness of the eyes, severe runny nose, muscle pain, soreness when swallowing.

In moderate and severe cases: convulsions, lack of sleep, decreased vitamin D levels, increased breathing (tachycardia), anxiety, confusion.

How to distinguish covid from influenza and colds?

Coronavirus infection can cause serious complications and death. Therefore, it is necessary to differentiate coronavirus from SARS, influenza and parainfluenza in order to start treatment on time.

Differences from respiratory viral infections:

• Longer incubation period up to 14 days. The first signs of SARS appear 2-3 days after infection.
• Low temperature (up to 37.5-38 degrees) lasts for a long time (up to 6-7 days).
• Prolonged dry cough with sore chest.
• Possible disorders of the digestive system.

Influenza and covid have some similarities:

• are transmitted through the air, personal items and household items,
• are manifested by headaches, aching joints, severe weakness,
• may be the intestinal form.