Key Tips to Help Identify Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms may have become a part of your routine every year. But with the ongoing pandemic, it’s important to know which illness you have so you can get the best care. Internal Medicine Lipid and Wellness of Fort Myers, Florida can help guide you on everything from flu symptoms to watch out for, to how the flu differs from other viruses like the common cold, COVID-19, and even “stomach flu” (viral gastroenteritis).
This post will help guide you through the key tips to help identify flu symptoms so you can seek the best care and treatment.
A Closer Look at The Flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause many mild to severe symptoms and breathing problems. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children). Flu symptoms often appear within one to four days after exposure to a flu virus and can last for several days and up to two weeks. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to stay at home and rest so as not to spread the virus to others.
Confusion
The flu can often be mistaken for a bad cold or out-of-control allergies. However, the flu differs from other health conditions and illnesses. For example, the flu and the common cold share similar symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. But flu symptoms are more severe and appear more suddenly than a common cold. Fever, body aches, and fatigue are also stronger with the flu.
COVID
COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. While they share some symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, COVID-19 causes more symptoms than the flu, including loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, and body aches. If you think you might have COVID-19, it’s important to get tested immediately and follow all medical protocols. The symptoms of COVID-19 are more severe than flu symptoms, and it can take longer for patients to recover.
The ”Stomach Flu”
Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” is not related to the flu virus at all. Instead, viral gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by certain viruses and bacteria. Its symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and cramping. It’s important to note that there’s no vaccine to prevent viral gastroenteritis, and antibiotics don’t work on viruses. The best way to prevent it is by taking precautions such as washing your hands regularly and keeping surfaces clean.
The importance of correct diagnosis
It’s crucial to determine whether you have the flu, COVID-19, or any other illness to seek the best care and treatment. While symptoms may appear similar, the severity of the illness and its symptoms can differ vastly. If you’re experiencing flu symptoms, make sure to rest and take precautions to avoid spreading the virus. If you think you might have COVID-19 or a different illness entirely, seek medical attention immediately. Stay safe and healthy!
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