Influenza, also known as the "flu," is always around us, but most cases are seen during the winter months or early spring. The flu is a respiratory infection that usually creates havoc in the throat, nose, bronchi, and can even affect the lungs. Older adults, people with a weakened immune system and young children are at highest risk for the flu, but anyone can catch it. This virus is extremely contagious. It is easily transferred from person to person from droplets that consist of viral particles when an infected person sneezes or coughs around someone that is vulnerable. This virus has the potential to be minor or severe and may even cause death. Making it important to know the signs and symptoms of the flu virus.
First Signs of Influenza
At first, the flu may produce symptoms similar to the common cold. Within 3 to 5 days of exposure, the first signs of infection show up. You might feel run down and slightly fatigued, and your throat may feel scratchy and a little painful as you eat or drink. You may have bouts of sneezing that usually come with a runny or stuffy nose. Usually the symptoms of a common cold are gone within a few days, but this doesn't occur with the influenza virus. The symptoms intensify and make you feel miserable.
Fatigue
Once your body is infected with the flu, you will notice a sudden loss of energy. The slight fatigue that you felt within the first days of infection worsens and it becomes extreme fatigue and weakness. Your body may feel like it is filled with lead, and even getting out of bed can feel as if it is taking a tremendous amount of energy. You may not feel up to completing simple tasks that you did on a daily basis.
Aches and Pain
Influenza.com warns that the flu is absolute misery, because your entire body may feel pain. You may feel deep pain in your muscles and joints, and they may ache so badly it may be difficult to sleep. You may feel pressure and pain in your eyes, forehead and the sinus area. Some people have pain that is so severe that lying in bed makes their body feel worse. If your body suddenly feels like you were hit by a large truck, then you can be certain that you have come down with the flu.
Fever
As your body tries to get rid of the flu virus, your temperature may soar. A high fever of 100 to 103 degrees is common. You may have intense chills, and moments later you may find yourself sweating profusely. The flu makes you feel very uncomfortable, because it may be impossible to warm up even when you have layers of clothes and blankets. Your eyes will look red, watery and your skin will look warm and flushed.
Symptoms in Children and Infants
According to KidsHealth.org, children often have gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain with influenza. Your child may also suffer body aches, weakness, chills and a dry cough. He may shake with a high fever. Your child will feel irritable and cry. Know that many children develop flu complications like pneumonia, sinus infection and ear infection. Children from the ages of 6 months to 5 years are often hospitalized because of the severity of their flu symptoms. These young children can have a dangerous body temperature of 104 that can lead to febrile seizures. An infant who has the flu will look really sick and weak. He may also have a poor appetite.
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