There are many people who confuse traditional cold symptoms with flu-related symptoms. It is important not to self diagnose oneself or your family members with the flu versus a common cold because the treatment options can be very different. Not to mention, there are many complications that can develop from the flu and you want to be as cautious as you can be when self-treating or seeking medical assistance. There are a number of different symptoms that you can experience with influenza type A. Not everyone that has the flu will experience these symptoms. For example, if you have received the flu shot that year but still contracted the flu, you may actually find that your symptoms are much less severe than someone who did not get the flu shot. Regardless, let’s take a look at some of the most commonly experienced symptoms associated with influenza type A so that you can be prepared in case you do become ill.
Nasal Symptoms
The flu is similar to a common cold in the sense that you will likely experience many of the nasal symptoms that come along with a cold. You can become very stuffed up, have a runny nose and experience swollen glands in your throat area. Also, a sore throat is common and sinus headaches are very prevalent when you have the flu. You can use a variety of over the counter remedies in order to treat the sinus symptoms associated with the flu. This can include saline nose spray to reduce inflammation and loosen nasal congestion, throat sprays to alleviate pain and antihistimines are often recommended as a way to dry up any excess mucus you have that is making you uncomfortable.
Body Aches
In addition to a headache, the flu can bring about some pretty unpleasant body aches. You may ache anywhere and everywhere on your body including your back, legs, arms, etc. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can make quick work of your body aches and a fever if you are experiencing one.
Appetite
When you have the flu of any strain you likely won’t feel like eating much if you were able to keep something down. Many people experience extreme nausea with the flu and sometimes vomiting and / or diarrhea.
Fatigue
One of the things that sets the flu apart from the common cold is the level of exhaustion you will feel. Of course you feel run down and tired whenever you are sick with anything, but the flu can wipe you out for days and sometimes even a couple of weeks. People who test positive for the flu type A will usually say they can’t get out of bed and find it exhausting just to get up to go to the bathroom. You may have trouble sleeping at night because of discomfort but even with sleep you still feel like you can’t get up the next day and function.
If you suspect that you or someone in your household has the flu, you should keep a close eye on your symptoms. Many doctors and hospitals prefer that you stay at home if you are ill in order to prevent passing germs on to someone else, but if you suspect you are dehydrated, your fever isn’t going away after a few days or you are feeling so weak you are having trouble standing or walking, then it’s time to contact your doctor. Most medical offices will be able to test you for different strains of the flu on site and then your doctor will help alleviate your symptoms how they see fit.