Flu season is upon us, with over 160,000 hospitalizations reported so far this year due to flu complications. However, it’s essential to distinguish between flu symptoms and those of other respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and RSV.
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea. To confirm whether you have the flu, look for differences with other illnesses:
– Fever and headache are more common in flu and COVID-19, but not typically cold.
– Dry cough is often indicative of COVID-19 rather than the flu.
– Muscle aches and tiredness are more characteristic of COVID-19 and flu, whereas they are less common in cold infections.
The flu spreads primarily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through touching surfaces contaminated with those droplets, followed by touching one’s nose, mouth, or eyes.
Preventing the flu is crucial. The vaccine is essential for everyone aged 6 months and older. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and staying home when ill can significantly reduce transmission.
Antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor can treat the flu within a few days of symptom onset. Wearing a face mask, especially an N95 or KN95, is also effective in reducing transmission when interacting with others or going outside.
By understanding flu symptoms, knowing how they differ from other illnesses, and taking preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of getting sick this flu season.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/01/18/flu-symptoms-covid-2025-what-to-know/77804263007