what are flu symptoms

Common and Uncommon Symptoms of The Flu

14 Aug 2018

what are flu symptoms

Common and Uncommon Symptoms of The Flu

No one likes to get sick, but a flu can hit especially hard. Flu symptoms typically develop quickly and, in some cases, can turn serious. Here’s what you can typically expect when you
a flu, and which less-common symptoms might make an unwelcome appearance, too.

The flu virus changes quickly, so each flu has the potential to be a little different than the last. But you can count on feeling pretty wiped out from any flu. Your body has to work hard to fight off the offending virus, so you’ll probably feel exhausted and might continue to feel fatigued for up to two to three weeks. You might develop aches and pains as your flu hits, and you’re also likely to get a headache and struggle with a cough, both of which might be severe. You’ll also probably develop a fever. While not comfortable, a fever is your body’s way of fighting the offending virus — that change in your internal temperature means the virus can’t infect your cells as effectively, giving your immune system a chance to off the disease. You’ll commonly develop a fever up to 100 to 102 degrees Ft. Combat aches and pains by choosing a flu medication that contains acetaminophen, a pain reliever. Maximum Strength Mucinex® Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Caplets can help.

Some flus also trigger a higher-than-usual fever — one that reaches up to 104 degrees F. This high fever may last for three to four days and then should subside. You might also feel sick to your stomach and vomit (a symptom common in kids but less so in adults). You might also develop some allergy-like symptoms (like a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat) with your flu. In this case, you’ll want a medication to help clear nasal congestion and stifle sneezing, like Maximum Strength Mucinex® Fast-Max® Day Severe Cold & Night Cold & Flu Liquid Gels. It contains a nasal decongestant to help you breathe more easily, plus doxylamine succinate to help sneezing and runny nose.

Sometimes, what starts as a flu can morph into something more serious. Fighting off the flu might make you more vulnerable to other infections, and it can temporarily increase your risk of pneumonia. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms start to get better, then suddenly return with a vengeance, since that might signal that you’ve picked up another infection. And seek immediate medical attention if you’re having trouble breathing, feel dizzy or confused, develop a fever with a rash or experience chest or abdominal pain.

We know you don’t feel like doing much when you’ve got a flu, but taking these simple steps may help:

  • Use Over-the-Counter Medication: Pick up a flu medication, like Maximum Strength Mucinex® Fast-Max® Day Severe Cold & Night Cold & Flu Liquid, to relieve your symptoms. Read the label carefully, and don’t exceed the dosage recommendation on the label.
  • Rest Up and Hydrate: Give your body a chance to fight off and recover from your flu, and stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
  • See a Doctor: Call your doctor if you have the symptoms of concern listed above, you're not getting better after two weeks, or over-the-counter medication isn’t controlling your symptoms.
References
  1. Concordia University Wisconsin: Cold and Flu Symptoms
  2. University of Maryland Medical Center: Influenza
  3. The University of Missouri Medical Center: Recovering from Flu: Slow Down, Watch for Danger Signs