What are Common Viral Infection Flu-Like Symptoms?

Recognizing Flu-like Symptoms of Viral Infections

Typical flu-like symptoms usually occur with most viral infections and can include fever, chills, headache, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea also occur in some patients.

Although widely associated with the flu, the symptoms are also present in other diseases, such as the common cold, RSV, and COVID-19. Since these symptoms frequently overlap, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact virus causing them. Read on to learn more details further!

What Do You Mean By Flu-like Symptoms?

The term "flu-like symptoms" describes the group of symptoms that individuals are prone to believe they get when they have the flu (influenza). Essentially, these symptoms mirror actual flu symptoms, but it's important to note that having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have the flu.

That’s why the word “like” is used—to indicate that while the symptoms resemble those of the flu, they may result from other health conditions. When someone mentions "flu-like symptoms," they are usually referring to:

• Increased body temperature (fever)
• Shivering or chills
• Body or muscle ache
• Concerning cough
• Headache
• Sore or itchy throat
• Nasal secretion (runny nose)
• Nasal obstruction (stuffy nose)
• Severe fatigue or tiredness
• Gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea (primarily in children)
• Feeling nauseous

You may experience a few or multiple of these symptoms with an illness. But the presence of these signs doesn't always mean influenza. A few other respiratory diseases, like COVID-19 or RSV, may present similar symptoms. Other non-viral conditions may also lead to these same symptoms.

Identifying the broad spectrum of potential causes of flu-like symptoms is the key to improving one's understanding of one's illness and when to seek medical attention.

How are Flu-like Symptoms Treated?

Treatment of flu-like symptoms varies mainly with the cause of the symptoms. Healthcare providers modify treatment according to the particular disease and severity. Some of the most typical treatments include:

• At-home Care: Resting adequately and staying well-hydrated are often the first steps in recovery.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve fever, pain, and discomfort.
• Prescription Medications: Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe antivirals, antifungal medications, or antiparasitics. 
• Hospital Treatment: In severe situations, patients might need IV fluids, oxygen, or other interventions in a hospital.

Can You Prevent Flu-like Symptoms?

Although it is not always possible to prevent infection or symptoms entirely, there are some measures you can take to lower your risk:

• Maintain Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, particularly after going to the bathroom and before meals.
• Vaccination: Stay updated with indicated vaccinations like flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and pneumonia vaccines.
• Prevent Exposure: Stay away from people who are ill to minimize the likelihood of exposure to infectious diseases.
• Wear Protective Equipment: When walking or hiking in grass or forest areas, apply insect repellents and wear protective equipment to protect against insects such as ticks and mosquitoes.
• Remain Vigilant: Understand the local and regional risks of diseases, particularly when abroad. Knowing what parasites or viruses are present in an area can help you take appropriate precautions.
• Food Safety: Cook, prepare, and store food safely to avoid foodborne illness, which can also have flu-like symptoms.
• Sanitize Your Surroundings: Clean kitchen and bathroom high-touch areas frequently to reduce germ spread.
• Use PPE When Necessary: Use masks or other personal protective equipment when airborne illness is more likely.

Flu-like symptoms can leave you drained, making even basic tasks feel overwhelming. Recovery will take time. However, there are ways your doctor can prescribe to treat pain and accelerate healing. If the root cause is more serious than a seasonal illness, your healthcare provider will offer a precise diagnosis and guide you through the following steps toward recovery.