How to Diagnose the Flu

Knowing the difference between the flu and a common cold is important for treatment. Influenza spreads easily if not detected and treated early and can lead to serious complications. Flu causes more missed days of work every year than any other condition, and catching it early can mean fewer days feeling lousy.

Instructions

1. Check for a headache. Many conditions can cause a headache but this is one of the first signs of flu onset.

2. Monitor body temperature. Unlike the common cold, fever is always a sign of the flu.

3. Look for chills with the fever. Chills and fever tend to come together and quite quickly when the flu strikes.

4. Listen for a cough. The flu is a virus that affects the respiratory system.

5. Watch for signs of all over body aches. Achy muscles and back along with the other symptoms is a sure sign of the flu.

6. Be aware of the length of illness. Flu symptoms can subside within 2 or 3 days or last up to a full 7 days. The common cold can drag on for up to 10 days without fever. The residual cough that lingers after other symptoms subside can last for weeks after the flu.

7. Do not expect intestinal symptoms with the flu. Intestinal viruses are usually a totally different illness.

Tips & Warnings

• See your doctor right away at the first signs of the flu. There are several medicines they can prescribe to shorten the duration and severity of the flu.

• Look for complications with the flu like bronchitis or pneumonia. A change in the sound of the cough or duration of symptoms may be a sign that something else has developed.