Flu
Symptoms: When Should You Be Concerned?
Flu symptoms are typically more
severe than the "common cold" and can suddenly appear.
Flu symptoms may not surface until 1-2 days after contracting the
flu virus and can last from 1-2 weeks. Flu
symptoms, such as fevers (up to 104º F) typically last 3-8
days. Other common flu symptoms are: fever, chills, sweating, muscle
aches and pains, severe headache, weakness, loss of appetite, sore
throat, coughing, sneezing, and chest pains. Nausea, diarrhea, and
vomiting are not common flu symptoms, except in the very young.
You should see your doctor if you have any of the following flu
symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Persistent fever
- Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Painful swallowing
- Persistent cough
- Persistent congestion and headaches
Since there are shortages of the
2004 flu vaccine, since flu vaccines
are not for everyone, since there may be flu
shot side effects, as with any type of medication, and since
strains of the flu virus do not always
match up to the strains in the flu
vaccine it is wise to exercise other options for flu
prevention in addition to or in place of the flu
vaccine.
|
