Are You Sick?

Flu

Symptoms of Influenza

  • Main symptoms are a fever with a runny nose, sore throat, and bad cough.
  • More muscle pain, headache, fever, and chills than with usual colds. Fatigue (tiredness) also affects many people; some have diarrhea and vomiting.
  • If there is no fever, you likely don't have flu. More likely it is a cold.

Cause of Influenza

  • Influenza viruses that change yearly

Diagnosis: How to Know You Have Influenza

  • Influenza occurs every year in the fall and winter months. During this time, if flu symptoms occur, you probably have the flu.
  • You don't need any special tests.
  • Call your doctor if you are High-Risk for complications of the flu. See the list below. These are the people who may need prescription anti-viral drugs.
  • Low-Risk people usually don't need to see a doctor. If you develop a complication of the flu, then call your doctor. See the "What to Do" section.

High-Risk for Complications from Influenza 

People are considered High-Risk for complications if they have any of the following:

  • Lung disease (such as asthma)
  • Heart disease (such as a congenital heart disease)
  • Stroke
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer or weak immune system conditions
  • Neuromuscular disease (such as muscular sclerosis)
  • Diabetes, sickle cell disease, kidney disease or liver disease
  • Diseases needing long-term aspirin therapy
  • Pregnancy or severe obesity
  • Adults older than 65 years are considered High-Risk (CDC)
  • Racial and ethnic minority groups
  • Note: all other adults are referred to as Low-Risk