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Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Uncomplicated flu illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of: fever, bodyaches, headache, severe fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, and nonproductive cough. Among children with influenza illness, otitis media, nausea, and vomiting are also commonly reported.

The fever and body aches can last 3-7 days, while the cough and lack of energy may last for 2 or more weeks. Influenza can be difficult to diagnose based on clinical symptoms alone. Diagnosis is complicated because the initial symptoms of influenza can be similar to disease caused by other infectious agents. These agents include, but are not limited to: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza viruses, and Legionella spp.

Is it the Flu or a Cold?
Symptoms	Flu	Cold
Fever	High fever	Rare
Headache	Frequent and severe	Rare
Body aches	Frequent and severe	Slight
Fatigue	Frequent and severe	Mild
Stuffy nose	Sometimes	Frequent
Sore throat	Sometimes	Frequent
Cough	Frequent, severe	Frequent, moderate

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Abrupt onset of severe fever, combined with severe aches & pains, is most likely: