Flu Symptoms: What You Might Feel - Flu

Are you wondering if you have seasonal flu or swine flu? While seasonal or swine flu symptoms often mimic a cold, a common cold rarely causes a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Let's learn more about flu symptoms -- including swine flu symptoms -- so you are fully prepared if you get sick.

Why do I need to know about flu symptoms?
Flu -- whether seasonal flu or swine flu -- is an acute respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. At least so far, the symptoms of swine flu have been quite similar to the signs of the average seasonal flu. It's important to understand flu symptoms so you can seek immediate treatment, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.

The earlier you recognize that you have the flu can also make a difference in how long it lasts. Newer prescription medications called antiviral drugs -- zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) -- are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms. These flu drugs are effective against the typical strains of seasonal flu as well as swine flu. They can decrease the duration of the flu by 1 day if used within this early window. These antivirals are usually given for a period of about 5 to 7 days.

How will I know flu season has started?
Seasonal flu follows a fairly predictable pattern, starting in the fall and ending in the spring. A good sign that seasonal flu season has started is the sudden increase in the number of school-aged children sick at home with flu-like illness. This initial flu outbreak is soon followed by similar infection in other age groups, especially adults.

How are flu symptoms different from symptoms with colds?
Unlike symptoms of a common cold, flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. Whether seasonal flu or swine flu, it usually starts with the abrupt onset of fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches. Here's a list of flu symptoms you might feel:

fever (usually high)
severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes
generalized weakness
ill appearance with warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
headache
dry cough
sore throat and watery discharge from your nose
Seasonal influenza is not normally associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting, at least not in adults. However, these symptoms appear to be more common with swine flu. For more information, see WebMD's Flu Symptoms or Cold?

What are common flu symptoms in children?
Typical signs of seasonal or swine flu in children include high-grade fever up to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C), chills, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, dry cough, and just plain feeling sick. Swine flu may also cause vomiting and diarrhea. These flu symptoms usually last for 3 to 4 days, but cough and tiredness may linger for up to 2 weeks after the fever has gone away. Other family members or close contacts often have a similar illness.