In 2023, there is a risk that the flu epidemic will be as severe as last year. If fever and fatigue are known symptoms of the flu, there are others that we don’t necessarily think about…
That’s it, we’re starting to enter the flu season. This viral disease is never asymptomatic and is accompanied by sudden onset symptomswhich you need to know, especially if you are fragile or elderly, and to protect those around you because the flu is very contagious. “Once you are infected with the flu virus, it develops in the cells of our body and causes the appearance of several symptoms announcing the onset of the disease“, explains Dr Pierre Parneix, medical officer of health and hospital practitioner in public health at Bordeaux University Hospital and head of the CPIAS of Nouvelle Aquitaine. As soon as they appear, we must help the body to defend itself against the virus (rest, hydration, medication such as paracetamol if necessary).
I feel like throwing up
Digestive symptoms like nausea, feeling sick or vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain (stomach cramps) are not the most common symptoms of the flu but they can be present, especially in children under 4 years old, much more rarely in adults. In case of poorly tolerated flu, a medical consultation is recommended.
I cough (and it hurts)
Of course, cough is a non-specific symptom and can be common to several winter ailments. “It is therefore possible not to immediately associate it with the flu“, immediately warns our interlocutor. The cough typical of the flu is generally dry and painful at first (then oily later). It generally lasts between one and two weeks and intensifies at night because mucus is less clear from your airways when you are lying down. This is because mucus can build up in the throat, which triggers coughing. Must worry: “a very productive cough with colored sputum (sputum, presence of blood), difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest. These are not normal symptoms of the flu; their occurrence should lead to to consult your doctor promptly“, insists our medical officer of health.
I am very tired even when I rest
The onset of the flu is accompanied bysevere fatigue (asthenia) which is gradually and increasingly established. While most symptoms last between 5 and 7 days, fatigue (or the feeling of weakness) can last Several weeks.
I have fever
A high fever greater than 38.5-39°C, which is accompanied by sweating, is typical of the flu. It can sometimes reach 40°C. Treatments antipyretics help fight fever: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. “A fever that persists more than 3 days (or 2 days if it is really strong)which is poorly supported or which is above 40°C should lead to immediate consultation with a doctor“, warns our expert.
I shiver (even when I’m not cold)
Chills, even when you are not cold, often appear at the start of the flu. “It is during the first two days following the start of symptoms that we are most contagious because it is at this time that there is a big rise in viral load and that the clinical symptoms are the most marked“, notes our expert.
I have a sore throat
Once the flu has taken hold, the throat is usually irritated and painful. Often, sore throats are accompanied by a stuffy and runny nose andfrequent sneezing.
I have muscle aches
In the absence of physical effort, an aching body with pain muscular and joint which look like body achesparticularly marked at the back, are often indicative of the flu. These muscle/joint pains usually last for 2 to 4 days. Treatments can calm them down: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
I have a headache
The flu tends to cause severe, persistent headaches 1 to 3 days. On the other hand, having ear pain is not normal in cases of flu and should lead the patient to consult their doctor without delay.
My eyes hurt
Depending on the types of viruses, certain flus can cause crying eyesibloodshot or painful, especially when you have looked upwards for a long time (this phenomenon is called “eye drooping”) or when you touch them. Exposure to bright light and visual excitement (watching a film on a screen) are therefore not recommended. Typically, this eye symptom does not last, and disappears before or upon healing. If this is not the case, you should consult.
“The worst day is often the 3rd”
► The worst day is usually the 3rd. “It is often from the 4th day that patients feel “better“, indicates our interlocutor.
► In all cases, a lack of improvement in symptoms within 72 hoursor even sooner if there is a sudden worsening, should lead you to consult a doctor.