Already have flu symptoms?

That’s it, we’re starting to enter flu season. This viral disease is never asymptomatic and is accompanied by sudden onset symptomswhat you need to know, especially if you are vulnerable or elderly, and to protect those around you because you have flu very contagious. “Once you are infected with the flu virus, that’s it develops in the cells of our body and causes the appearance of various symptoms announcing the onset of the disease“, explains Dr. Pierre Parneix, medical officer of health and hospitalist in the field of public health at the University Hospital of Bordeaux and head of the CPIAS of Nouvelle Aquitaine. As soon as they appear, we must help the body defend itself against the virus (rest, hydration, medication such as paracetamol if necessary).

I feel like throwing up

Digestive symptoms such as nausea, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain (stomach cramps) are not the most common symptoms of flu, but they can occur, especially in children under 4 years of age, and much more rarely in adults. In case of poorly tolerated flu, a medical advice is recommended.

I’m coughing (and it hurts)

Of course, coughing is a non-specific symptom and can occur with various winter ailments. “So it is possible not to immediately associate it with flu“, our interlocutor immediately warns. The cough typical of the flu is generally dry and painful at first (later greasy). It generally lasts between one and two weeks and becomes more intense at night because mucus comes out of your airways less clearly when you lie down. This is because mucus can build up in the throat, causing coughing. Should be worried: “a very productive cough with colored sputum (sputum, presence of blood), difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest. These are not normal symptoms of the flu; its occurrence should lead to to consult your doctor immediately“, emphasizes our medical officer of health.

I am very tired even when I rest

The onset of the flu is accompanied bysevere fatigue (asthenia) which is gradually and increasingly being achieved. Although most symptoms last between 5 and 7 days, fatigue (or the feeling of weakness) may persist Several weeks.

I have a fever

A high fever greater than 38.5-39°C, which is accompanied by sweating, is typical of the flu. Sometimes it can reach 40°C. Treatments antipyretics help fight fever: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. “A fever that persists more than 3 days (or 2 days if it’s really strong)that is poorly supported or that is above 40°C should lead to immediate consultation with a doctor“, warns our expert.

I shiver (even if I’m not cold)

Chills, even if you are not cold, often appear at the beginning of the flu. “It is during the first two days after the onset of symptoms that we are most contagious, because it is during this period a large increase in viral load and that the clinical symptoms are most striking“, notes our expert.

I have a sore throat

Once the flu takes over, so does the throat usually irritated and painful. Sore throat is often accompanied by a stuffy and runny nosefrequent sneezing.

My muscles are sore

In the absence of physical exertion, an aching body with pain muscle and joint that look like pain in the bodyparticularly marked at the back, are often indicative of influenza. This muscle/joint pain usually persists 2 to 4 days. Treatments can calm them down: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

I have a headache

The flu tends to cause severe, persistent headaches 1 to 3 days. On the other hand, having an earache is not normal with the flu and should prompt the patient to consult their doctor immediately.

My eyes hurt

Depending on the types of viruses, some can cause flu crying eyesibloodshot or painful, especially if you have looked up for a long time (this phenomenon is called “drooping eyes”) or if you touch them. Exposure to bright light and visual excitement (watching a movie on a screen) are therefore not recommended. Usually this eye symptom does not last and disappears before or after healing. If this is not the case, you must discuss.

“The worst day is often the third”

► The worst day is usually the third. “It is often from the 4th day that patients feel “better”.“, says our interlocutor.

► Lack of improvement in symptoms in all cases within 72 hoursor even earlier if there is a sudden deterioration, you should consult a doctor.