Millions of vaccines with those strains are produced and distributed. To make the vaccine, scientists select the strains of the flu virus that research suggests will be the most common in the coming flu season. Vaccination can also help lessen the severity of the illness if you do end up getting the flu. It also helps with herd immunity, helping to protect those who can’t get the vaccine for medical reasons. The more people that get vaccinated against the flu, the less the flu can spread. high-dose injectable shot (for those over age 65).The flu vaccine is available in the following forms: The best and most efficient way to avoid the flu and prevent spreading it is to get a flu vaccination. Flu-related deaths are most common in people ages 65 and older, but can be seen in children and young adults. In some cases, the flu can even be deadly. Healthy people can get sick from the flu and spread it to friends and family. You don’t have to be young or have a compromised immune system to get gravely ill from the flu. Influenza is a serious virus that leads to many illnesses each year. Learn more about how to recognize the symptoms of the flu. These feelings of tiredness and fatigue may come on fast and be difficult to overcome. Feeling generally unwell can be a sign of many conditions. Fatigueįeeling tired is a not-so-obvious symptom of the flu. Sometimes symptoms, including light and sound sensitivity, go along with your headache. Your first symptom of the flu may be a severe headache. They can often be severe, making it difficult to move even when trying to perform basic tasks. Muscle achesįlu-related muscle pains are most common in your neck, back, arms, and legs. Many flu-related coughs can last for about 2 weeks. You may sometimes experience shortness of breath or chest discomfort during this time. The cough may worsen, becoming uncomfortable and painful. CoughĪ dry, persistent cough is common with the flu. Most fevers last for less than 1 week, usually around 3 to 4 days. Signs include chills, sweats, or being cold despite your body’s high temperature. You may feel “feverish” when you have an elevated temperature. If you suspect your child has the flu, see their doctor. Most flu-related fevers range from a low-grade fever around 100☏ (37.8☌) to as high as 104☏ (40☌).Īlthough alarming, it’s not uncommon for young children to have higher fevers than adults. The flu almost always causes an increase in your body temperature. Here are some of the common symptoms of the flu: Fever Much like the common cold, the flu often just needs time to work its way through your body. Rest and hydration are also beneficial for people with the flu. using over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicationsįor the flu, taking flu medicine early in the virus’ cycle may help reduce severity of the illness and shorten the time that you’re sick.If your doctor diagnoses a cold, you’ll only need to treat your symptoms until the virus has run its course. Your doctor will run tests that can help determine what’s behind your symptoms.ĭuring the COVID-19 epidemic, call ahead for the protocol on visiting a doctor in person or having a online visit.Ĭold and flu symptoms should also be treated with care due to their overlap with COVID-19 symptoms.

If your symptoms are severe, you may want to confirm either a cold or flu diagnosis. Colds rarely cause other health conditions or problems. People with either illness often experience:Īs a rule, flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms.Īnother distinct difference between the two is how serious they are.

Your symptoms can help you tell the difference between them.īoth a cold and the flu share a few common symptoms.

But different viruses cause these two conditions. They’re both respiratory illnesses and can cause similar symptoms. The common cold and the flu may seem similar at first. What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?

Flu shot side effect women