When you catch the flu, your body goes into defense mode. This response, while necessary to combat the virus, can result in uncomfortable symptoms like joint and muscle aches. As Donaldson explains, these aches are due to the body’s immune response, not the flu virus itself. Once the antibodies target the influenza virus, various symptoms can manifest.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish (though not everyone will experience this), body aches, muscle stiffness, chills, sweats, headaches, cough, fatigue, weakness, and nasal congestion. It’s essential to contact your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms, as you may need testing for both flu and other illnesses like COVID-19.

Inflammation is your body’s way of fighting off infectious agents like bacteria and viruses and repairing tissue damage. This response can be seen in infections like a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, manifesting as pain, redness, swelling, and heat.

The flu season in the U.S. typically spans from October to March, though the flu can be present year-round. Flu symptoms, which are usually more severe than a common cold, include fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, congestion, runny nose, chills, shivering, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Unlike COVID-19, flu generally does not cause shortness of breath.

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. It can lead to symptoms like fever, body aches, headache, and cough, typically lasting a week or two. Flu outbreaks are most common in late fall and winter. Because symptoms may not start immediately, it’s possible to transmit the flu to others before realizing you’re sick.

Fatigue related to illness is more than just feeling tired. It can be due to external factors like lack of sleep or stress, but when related to illness, it indicates that your body is fighting off an infection, depleting your energy reserves.

Treating the flu involves rest, hydration, and pain relievers to manage fever and aches. It’s especially important for people with weakened immune systems or those at increased risk of complications like pneumonia to seek medical advice.

Comparing flu and COVID-19 symptoms reveals some overlaps, but also key differences. Flu patients often report fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and headache. Fever is notably more common in flu than in COVID-19 patients.

For more detailed information on the flu and its symptoms, visit these resources:

Why do muscles & joints ache during the flu?
Learn the facts about the flu
All about inflammation
COVID-19 or something else?
Cold & Flu
Flu (influenza)
Illness-related fatigue: More than just feeling tired
Influenza
How long does the flu last?
Flu vs. COVID-19: How to tell the difference