Flu Report: Symptoms
Seasonal Flu - What is it?
Influenza, or the flu, is a common and highly contagious, infectious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza viruses can change rapidly. That’s why there is a new flu shot made every year to protect against the circulating virus strains.
Seasonal Flu - Symptoms
Almost always:
- Sudden onset of cough and fever
Sometimes:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Common:
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Runny nose
Common Cold - What is it?
A cold is a mild infection of the nose and throat caused by a variety of viruses. Although a cold might linger, the symptoms remain mild.
Common Cold - Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
Severity Indicators
If you develop the following symptoms, you need to see a health care provider right away:
- Shortness of breath, rapid or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Bluish or grey skin color
- Bloody or coloured mucus/spit
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- High fever lasting more than three days
- Low blood pressure
Additional symptoms to watch for in children:
- Not drinking enough fluids or eating
- Not waking up or interacting
- Irritability; not wanting to play or be held
People at Risk of Complications
The following groups are not more likely to get the flu. However, they are more at risk of developing complications if they do get sick:
- Children under five years of age (especially those less than two years old)
- Women who are pregnant
- People with chronic conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Blood disorders
- Diabetes
- Severe obesity
- Asthma and chronic lung disease
- Immunosuppressed (people taking cancer drugs or people with HIV AIDS)
- Neurological disorders
- Aboriginal people
IMPORTANT: If you have flu symptoms and you have one of these risk factors, contact a health care provider as soon as possible - antiviral medications may be needed.
Information courtesy of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
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