FLU SYMPTOMS

•     FEVER - Normal body temperature is about 37 degrees centigrade.Once it gets over 38 degrees the patient will normally have a fever caused by the flu virus. It is not an illness in itself but is a sign of other problems. The normal cause is viral or bacterial infection. It is thought to be part of the body's natural defence .

  The flu virus makes the immune system (the body's defence system)  produce chemicals, these affect the hypothalamus, the heat-regulating centre in the brain.

•   CHILLS - The virus will cause chills and shivers. You will feel excessively cold and may be shivering, even though you have a fever and high temperature. 
  
•    MUSCLE ACHES AND HEADACHES -  The flu virus will cause headaches and also make you feel like you are aching all over. Your whole body may "feel heavy"   
  
•     LOSS OF APPETITE -  The influenza virus will sometimes cause a lack of appetite.  This is normally found to be more apparent when the temperature is up. Once it starts to lower the appetite normally returns quite quickly. 
  
•    SORE THROAT AND COUGH - Flu often starts off with a sore throat and the cough develops.  You will often cough up green phlegm (sorry for being a bit graphic) showing probable infection. This coughing or a chest infection can cause chest pain. One word of warning here. Chest pain can be the indication of various other more serious conditions. If you have a severe chest pain that continues more than a few hours you need to seek urgent medical attention
  
•     FLU SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN -  Whilst children will often show the symptoms above they can also show other signs and symptoms. They sometimes get abdominal pains which can be mistaken for appendicitis. When their temperature rises they may also get something called a febrile convulsion.  This is a type of fit which usually only lasts for a few minutes. In cases of suspected flu where a convulsion lasts a fairly long time or the child does not appear to have recovered fully from a febrile convulsion, seek medical attention immediately
   
•     FLU COMPLICATIONS - Occasionally other complications may occur, brought on by the flu such as ear or chest infections. One of the most serious complications although rare is Acute Pneumonia. This can also be life threatening so urgent medical attention should be sought if you suspect it as it does not just cause death in elderly or infirmed people but also in young fit people.

       In 1918, the year of  Spanish flu pandemic. It was this sort of flu pneumonia 
       that was to blame for many of the millions of young adults who died. 

•     FINAL WORDS - If you have any other unusual symptoms with the above such as a rash, dislike of bright lights,stiff neck, hallucinations,or talking what I would call gobbledegook - seek early professional medical advice. 

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