The flu season is officially upon us, and doctors are reporting a surge in cases. This year, we're seeing some distinct symptoms that set the flu apart from colds and COVID-19. Learn about the most common flu symptoms, how to differentiate them, and essential steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Flu Season Is Officially Here, And Doctors Are Telling Us The Most Common Symptoms That Are Popping Up This Winter There's also one big difference between the flu and COVID or a cold that can indicate which illness you have. Don't ignore it.Exactly how many people get the flu each year in the U.S. is unknown, given that many people recover at home without medical intervention.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, since 2010 (excluding the 2020-2021 flu season), hundreds of thousands of people have been hospitalized from flu-related complications. As we continue to barrel through this winter, it’s important to know the signs of the illness. Anyone who has been sick with it knows that it can be debilitating, unpleasant, and downright scary. Below, doctors share the most common flu symptoms they’re seeing this winter and how they come about:Unlike a cold or COVID-19, you likely won’t have a warning scratchy throat for a day or two. Instead, you’ll probably get hit with problems seemingly out of nowhere. And when comparing flu symptoms to colds, colds “may come on more slowly with milder symptoms,” said Dr. With the flu, you can expect the usual suspects. “Some of the most common symptoms that we see are fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose,” Dr. Aderson said.Muscle aches are very common in folks infected with the flu, Dr. Roberts noted. Headaches can be common, too, Dr. Aderson said. it’s more likely that you’d have body aches with the flu than with the common cold — and the body aches associated with the flu are often worse.“Some people will have vomiting and diarrhea, but that’s generally more common in children than adults,” Dr. Aderson said.“The best ways to protect against the flu also will work for many other respiratory viruses,” Dr. Roberts said. “These include washing hands, avoiding people who are ill, good ventilation, masking in high-risk settings.” Beyond this, the flu shot is a great layer of protection — and it’s not too late in the season to get it either. “Although the flu shot may not protect against infection, it can limit the severity of symptoms and the length of illness,” Dr. Long said, noting that the shot can’t give you the flu, which is a common misconception.Jarun011 / Getty Images “If you think you might have the flu, you should get tested, as there are medications that can help shorten the illness,” Dr. Long said. “Flu antivirals are different than those used for COVID and will not work against the common cold, so a positive test can be helpful in guiding .” You can get tested for the flu at a healthcare facility or can pick up at-home flu tests from pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.“If you get sick and are part of a high-risk population, which includes people who are immunocompromised, 65 or older, or have any chronic medical conditions, you should talk to your doctor,” Dr. Aderson said. “They can prescribe you flu medication and also make sure you don’t have any severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dehydration or chest pain.”people die each year in the U.S. from the flu, and many more require hospitalization. If you’re high-risk or notice any of the severe symptoms mentioned above, it’s important that you alert your physician so you can get the treatment you need
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