Since the symptoms of an influenza infection are very different from the common cold, the diagnosis can be made fairly quickly. A doctor will be able to tell that you have the flu if you have at least some or most of these symptoms:
- high fever
- aches and pains everywhere, especially in the back and legs
- bad headache
- sensitivity to light
- red and watery eyes and a runny nose
- nauseous feeling and possible vomiting
- dry cough at first, then bringing up sputum
- burning sensation in the chest
If there is any doubt, a doctor can make sure that it's the flu by taking a sample of your nasal secretions or sputum (phlegm) and testing it for the virus. This is rarely needed.
Written and reviewed by the MediResource Clinical Team
