10 Symptoms of Influenza
The world is home to countless pathogens that can cause illness and harm. Influenza is one of the most common illnesses. The symptoms can be quite unpleasant and even potentially dangerous. Indeed, influenza is responsible for many fatalities worldwide.
The impact of the illness depends largely on the strength of one’s immune system, so it is no surprise that the elderly and the young are particularly at risk. Annual flu shots are available, which helps keep up with the evolution of the pathogen. Flu shots are recommended for all, especially the most vulnerable.
Symptom #1: Fever
As warm-blooded animals, we are able to regulate the temperature of our bodies. In other words, we are able to stay warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the summer, within reason. The ability to regulate our temperature serves as a line of defense in protecting us against pathogens.
When we fall ill with influenza (or many other diseases), the body’s temperature increases. This helps to make the body an inhospitable place for the pathogen, thus slowing or halting its progress. While such fevers will usually pass harmlessly, they can potentially rise to dangerously high levels, so a fever should be monitored closely.
Symptom #2: Chills
Chills are a common symptom of influenza and are directly linked to fevers. Our bodies do a great job of letting us know when we are too hot or too cold. In a fever, the target body temperature increases, so signals tell our body it is below the target temperature, which causes chills.
That is why when we are ill, we will occasionally get chills without even being in cold conditions. Once the target temperature has been met, the chills will subside.
Symptom #3: Aches and Pain
After millions of years of evolution, our bodies have developed several lines of defense against infection and disease. When the influenza virus is present in the body, the body’s white blood cells release natural chemicals that combat the pathogens.
In addition to fighting pathogens, these chemicals also cause inflammation of the muscles, which we feel as aches and pains. So while they might be uncomfortable, these aches and pains are actually part of the body’s immune response against the disease.
Symptom #4: Nasal Congestion
It is a common misconception that a stuffy nose is due to the mucus in the nose, but it is actually caused by inflamed blood vessels. If you have a stuffy nose, it could well be a sign that you have the influenza virus.
Nasal congestion is often one of the first indicators that we are unwell. However, the symptom could also be attributed to other factors, such as irritants and allergens. This means that nasal congestion is often mistaken for something else, at least until other symptoms become more evident. Nasal congestion is also frequently caused by the presence of pathogens, and if it is influenza, there is a chance that its symptom could develop into something more severe.
Symptom #5: Coughing
Coughing is an attempt to clear particles or mucus from the lungs and throat, and it often lasts only for a short time. It is not uncommon for us to cough from time to time, even when we are not ill. If you have the flu, however, coughing can last longer and be more intense.
Coughing when we have the flu may be an attempt to remove mucus that is meant to catch the virus and any particles. It could also be a reaction to the inflammation of the soft tissues in the lungs and throat.
Symptom #6: Headaches
Headaches can be quite unpleasant and can afflict us even when we are not ill. Quite often, they cause stress, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. At other times, they can be caused by an illness, and one such illness is influenza.
When you have the flu, the headaches will usually be accompanied by a high fever. As your body heats up, the blood vessels dilate, and this places pressure on the surrounding tissues. This pressure often causes a headache, and it can range from mildly uncomfortable to downright debilitating.
Symptom #7: Difficulty Breathing
We tend to take breathing for granted in our day-to-day lives. It isn’t until we have difficulty breathing that we even notice we are doing it. This symptom can range from annoying to alarming and is fairly common in people who have contracted the influenza virus.
Inflammation, mucus, and irritation can all combine to make it difficult to breathe. Affecting the lungs, the nose, and the throat, breathing can become labored and, quite often, painful. In severe cases of the flu, difficulty breathing can be a very serious issue.
Symptom #8: Sore Throat
A sore throat can be caused by a range of factors, such as the dryness of the air or particles irritating the soft tissue. A sore throat is also a common indicator that a pathogen is present, and that pathogen could be influenza.
The influenza virus enters the body through the body’s soft tissues, and this includes the throat. This causes inflammation of the tissue, making it feel sore. In addition, dehydration caused by the flu can make the back of the throat dry, which will, in turn, lead to irritation when inhaling.
Symptom #9: Diarrhea
Diarrhea can have a range of causes. Quite often, we may find something difficult to digest, or we may eat something containing pathogens. As such, diarrhea can be a symptom of an illness, including influenza.
When you are ill, the digestive system will become more sensitive and find it harder to metabolize food. Food, including water and other fluids, will pass through the system faster than normal, not allowing sufficient time for the fluids to be absorbed. Not only does this cause runny stools, it can also lead to dehydration. Diarrhea is not a common symptom of influenza, but it tends to occur more often in children.
Symptom #10: Rapid Onset
Influenza and the common cold are so similar to each other in regard to their symptoms that it can be difficult to tell them apart. Usually, it is not until high fevers and body aches and pains arrive that we are able to distinguish one from the other without tests.
Another way to differentiate between the two is that the flu tends to progress faster than a cold. When you get your first sniffle with a cold, it might be a few days before your symptoms are full-blown. With the flu, however, you will likely find you are quite ill not long after first feeling unwell. Not only do flu symptoms escalate faster than those of a cold, but they can also be considerably more severe.
