Flu symptoms
The flu is characterized by a collection of symptoms that can often occur suddenly. The primary symptoms are:
- Fever (higher than 100° F)
A fever occurs when your body temperature increases in response to illness or injury. Your temperature is considered elevated when it is higher than 100°F.
- Muscle aches
While it is normal to feel body aches from physical overexertion, body aches that are sudden and unexplained can be a sign of the flu.
- Chills
Body chills that are not related to a cold environment can be a sign of the flu.
- Extreme tiredness
It's normal to feel tired at the end of a long day or when you don't get adequate sleep, but unexplained tiredness can be a sign of the flu.
Additionally, other symptoms can exist, including:
- Headache
A headache associated with the flu may appear suddenly, and be related to body aches or nasal congestion you're experiencing.
- Dry cough
Know your cough. A productive cough (coughing up mucus) is common with a cold, while a non-productive or dry cough (with no mucus) is associated with the flu.
- Sore throat
Swelling in the throat can lead to a sore throat.
- Runny nose
Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults.
- Stomach symptoms
Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children than in adults
- Chest discomfort
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
Think you might have the flu? Or does someone you know have it?
TAMIFLU for Flu Treatment and Prevention
TAMIFLU is a prescription medication for flu treatment and prevention in adults and children aged 1 year and older. Learn more about TAMIFLU for Flu Treatment and Prevention.
TAMIFLU is prescribed for treating adults and children 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last day or two. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in patients 1 year and older. TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccinations (you should still get the flu shot every year).
Before taking TAMIFLU, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or if you have received nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.
If you develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash, stop taking TAMIFLU and contact your healthcare professional immediately, as it may be very serious. People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of self injury and confusion shortly after taking TAMIFLU and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior. A healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient taking TAMIFLU shows any signs of unusual behavior.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
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