Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by a virus. Symptoms of the flu can vary in severity and often come on suddenly. Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes becomes life-threatening. If you have asthma or other lung diseases, you are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu. Complications from the flu can include pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, heart problems, and ear infections. In young children, influenza can also cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in addition to respiratory symptoms.
Its important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever. If you experience emergency symptoms of the flu, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, ongoing dizziness, seizures, worsening of existing medical conditions, or severe weakness or muscle pain, seek medical care right away.
