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What are the Symptoms of Flu?
Common Symptoms
Flu symptoms in the United Kingdom are typically similar to those experienced globally. Common symptoms include:
- High fever (38°C or higher)
- Chills and sweats
- Headache
- Persistent dry cough
- Muscle and joint aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Severe fatigue and tiredness
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
While less common, some individuals in the UK who contract the flu may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Duration of Symptoms
Typically, flu symptoms last for about a week, though the fatigue and cough can persist for a couple of weeks more. It’s important to rest and stay hydrated during this period to aid recovery.
When to Seek Medical Help
In most cases, the flu will resolve without medical intervention. However, it is important to seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough
High-risk groups, including young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, should be especially vigilant and seek professional advice if they suspect flu infection.
Preventing Flu
To reduce the risk of contracting the flu, the NHS recommends annual flu vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help prevent the spread of the virus.
What is the Flu?
Common Signs of Flu
The flu is a sickness you can catch. It has signs like:
- High temperature (38°C or more)
- Feeling cold and sweaty
- Head hurts
- Dry cough that won't go away
- Aches in muscles and joints
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Feeling very tired and weak
Stomach Problems
Sometimes, the flu can also cause stomach problems, like:
- Feeling sick
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Runny poo (diarrhoea)
How Long Does the Flu Last?
The flu usually lasts about a week. But, feeling tired and the cough can last a bit longer. It's important to rest and drink a lot of water to get better.
When to Call a Doctor
Most of the time, the flu gets better on its own. But, go to a doctor if you have serious signs like:
- Hard to breathe or breathe fast
- Pain in your chest
- Feeling very dizzy or mixed up
- Throwing up a lot and can't stop
- Flu signs that get better but come back with a fever and bad cough
People who are more at risk, such as young kids, older people, pregnant women, and people with health problems should get help if they think they have the flu.
How to Stop Getting the Flu
You can help stop the flu by getting a flu jab every year. This is especially important for people at risk. Also, wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick to stop the spread of the flu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and are more severe, such as high fever and body aches, while common cold symptoms develop gradually and are usually milder.
Yes, although less common, some people, particularly children, may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea with the flu.
Yes, a sore throat is a common symptom of the flu.
Not always, but many people with the flu will experience a high fever, often above 38°C.
Yes, a cough is a common symptom of the flu and can be persistent and dry.
Headaches associated with the flu tend to be severe and can be felt across the entire head.
Yes, it is possible to have the flu without a fever, but it is less common.
Yes, muscle or body aches are a common symptom and can be quite severe.
Flu symptoms usually last for about one to two weeks but can occasionally persist longer.
Yes, difficulty breathing can be a sign of a serious complication and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Yes, fatigue can be severe with the flu and may last for several weeks even after other symptoms have subsided.
Yes, loss of appetite is a common symptom of the flu.
Yes, you may experience chest discomfort or even chest pain due to persistent coughing and inflammation.
If you are at high risk for complications, such as being very young, elderly, pregnant, or having underlying health conditions, you should seek medical advice. For most healthy individuals, rest and supportive care at home are usually sufficient.
When you have the flu, you might feel hot and get chills. You could also cough and have a sore throat. Your nose might be runny or feel blocked. Your muscles might hurt, and you could have a headache. You might also feel very tired.
Flu makes you feel sick very fast with a high fever and sore body. A cold comes on slowly and is not as bad.
Yes, sometimes people, especially kids, can feel sick to their stomach, throw up, or have a runny tummy when they have the flu.
Yes, having a sore throat is normal when you have the flu.
People with the flu often get a high fever.
Their temperature is usually higher than 38°C.
Yes, coughing is normal when you have the flu. It might not go away quickly and can feel dry.
Flu headaches hurt a lot. You can feel the pain all over your head.
Yes, you can have the flu without having a fever, but it doesn't happen a lot.
Yes, your muscles or body can hurt when you're sick. It can hurt a lot.
Flu symptoms usually last for about one to two weeks. Sometimes, they can last a bit longer.
Having trouble breathing can be very serious. It is important to get help from a doctor right away.
Yes, the flu can make you very tired. This tiredness can last for weeks, even after you start feeling better.
Yes, not feeling hungry is normal when you have the flu.
Sometimes, when you cough a lot, your chest can hurt or feel uncomfortable. This happens because of swelling inside your chest.
If you might get really sick, like if you are very young, older, having a baby, or have other health problems, you should talk to a doctor. For most healthy people, just resting and taking care of yourself at home is usually enough.
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