If you feel you are coming down with the flu, you should stay in bed for the first 24 hours and wear a face mask. You should also avoid sharing cups, bottles and utensils with others. Frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitiser. When you cough, cover your mouth with a tissue. Do not touch your face when coughing.
Body aches and chills are common flu symptoms.
One of the most common flu symptoms is body aches and chills. These can affect any part of the body but are most common in the legs, back and head. The aches can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. You can also wrap yourself in a warm blanket to raise your body temperature and reduce the chills.
A high fever often accompanies body aches and chills. When your body is fighting an illness, your immune system reacts by releasing white blood cells to combat the infection. This process causes inflammation in the muscles, making them feel achy. The more aches you experience, the harder your body has to work to fight off the illness.
Although body aches and chills aren’t the most severe flu symptoms, they are familiar. People who catch the virus are more likely to develop a fever. A fever of more than 100 degF is a clear sign of the flu. While fever is familiar to the flu, it is essential to note that not everyone with the virus will develop a fever.
Body aches and chills are not a sign of a cold
Although body aches and chills are commonly attributed to a cold, they are not necessarily signs of a cold. Instead, body aches and chills are often symptoms of a different condition, such as an infection or fever. Luckily, these symptoms are often temporary and will pass on their own.
While body aches and chills are not a clear sign of a cold, they are common flu symptoms. These symptoms occur as the immune system reacts to the virus. When this happens, the immune system releases white blood cells and causes inflammation. The resulting inflammation is what leaves muscles sore and achy.
Although body aches and chills are common symptoms of the flu, they can also be a symptom of COVID (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or another illness. If you have chills, you should consult a doctor. This can be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Pneumonia is a severe complication.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung caused by a virus or bacteria. Its symptoms include coughing up green phlegm and shortness of breath. The infection can develop suddenly or gradually over a few days. Therefore, it is essential to contact a doctor as soon as you suspect you might have pneumonia. Your doctor can diagnose pneumonia by looking at your chest and other symptoms.
Pneumonia symptoms are often slow to appear and can be mistaken for the flu. However, the flu or cold symptoms often mask the symptoms of pneumonia, and it can take several days for a patient to notice a more serious condition. Your health care provider will check your blood pressure and temperature and perform a physical exam. They may also order a chest x-ray. Depending on your condition and the symptoms, you may require antibiotics or other treatments to combat the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
People with compromised immune systems and poor lung function are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. While pneumonia is less common than the flu, it can be just as dangerous if not treated properly. This is especially important for children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with other severe health conditions. Fortunately, the flu shot can significantly reduce the risk of pneumonia.