Influenza
Symptoms: The Symptoms of Influenza Are More Severe than
a Cold
As
soon as a sore throat, nausea, and nasal congestion invade
your body, it may be habit for you to say that you have
the flu, or influenza virus. Many people associate all common
cold symptoms with influenza, but influenza is a totally
separate illness from a cold. Consequently, the symptoms
of influenza are different and longer-lasting than cold
symptoms. Even so, a cold can make you feel just as miserable
as the flu. The question is, then, how do you know when
you and your child are experiencing influenza symptoms?
Influenza
symptoms are caused by a contagious respiratory virus, and
it can be difficult to tell the difference between influenza,
a cold, and even infectious
mononucleosis solely based on symptoms. One reason for
this is the possibility that influenza symptoms may be mild
and common cold symptoms can be severe. A list of the most
common influenza symptoms are as follows:
- Fever
of 100-106 degrees F
- Chills
and sweats
- Headache
- Sore,
dry throat
- Cough
(not related to a croup cough)
- Nasal
congestion
- Fatigue
and tiredness, sometimes severe
- Eye
pain
- Body
and muscular aches
- Loss
of appetite
In
addition to the above influenza symptoms, children may experience
diarrhea and vomiting, but stomach problems are typically
not associated with the flu virus. Influenza symptoms arrive
suddenly and may last up to 2 weeks. People at high risk
for complications from influenza symptoms include young
children, senior citizens, and pregnant women. Children
are prone to developing secondary illnesses from influenza
symptoms such as a sinus infection or middle
ear infection.
Influenza
epidemics have been known to be fatal to millions of people,
particularly the very young and old, so influenza symptoms
should always be taken seriously. There is no cure for influenza
symptoms, but an updated flu vaccination is available every
year to head off flu season, which begins in late fall.
Many flu vaccinations are approved for children who are
6 months of age and older.
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