<p>Flu Symptoms
When to Seek Medical Care
This information is provided by the U. S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Veterans, their families,
friends, volunteers, and employees. It describes common
symptoms of influenza (flu) and how to decide when to
stay at home or when to seek medical care.
Common Flu Symptoms
■ Fever (100° F or higher)
■ Body or muscle aches
■ Headache
■ Feeling tired or weak
■ Cough
■ Sore throat
■ Runny or stuffy nose
■ Stomach symptoms (mostly in children)
If You Have Common
Flu Symptoms
■ Stay home
■ Rest
■ Drink fluids
■ Take medicines for fever such as acetaminophen (e.g.
Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil® or Motrin®)
■ Call your healthcare team within 48 hours for advice
about what to do next
⊲ Antiviral medicines may reduce flu symptoms if started
within 48 hours of your first symptoms
Stop the Spread of Flu
• Get a flu shot
• Stay home when sick
• Clean your hands
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
WARNING!
Moderate or severe flu symptoms are
signs of complications from flu!
When to Seek Medical Care
Call your healthcare team within 48 hours:
■ If you have common flu symptoms or
■ If you have moderate flu symptoms:
⊲ Not able to drink enough fluids
(Dark urine or feeling dizzy when standing are signs
that you are not drinking enough fluids)
⊲ Fever of 100° F or higher for 3 or more days
⊲ Feel better, and then get a fever or sore throat again
Go right away for medical care:
■ If you have severe flu symptoms:
⊲ Shortness of breath or wheezing
⊲ Coughing up blood
⊲ Pain or pressure in your chest when breathing
⊲ Chest pain, especially if you have heart disease like
angina or congestive heart failure
⊲ Trouble with balance, walking or sitting up, or
becoming confused
Flu vs. Cold: Know the Difference
Symptoms
Flu
Cold
Fever
Usual - 100° F or higher
Rare
Chills
Common
Uncommon
Body or muscle aches
Common – can be severe
Uncommon or mild
Headache
Common – can be severe
Uncommon
Feeling tired and weak
Common – can be severe
Sometimes – usually mild: