Flu: Signs and symptoms
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Recognising the flu
The flu can cause severe illness and significant negative impacts on quality of life,1,2 so it helps to understand how to identify this viral disease.
![Cold vs Flu graph](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_SA/respiratory-health/theraflu/infographics/ls-theraflu-flu-graph-970px.jpg?auto=format)
Signs and symptoms
Both colds and flu may share similar and overlapping symptoms,3,4 including:
The flu usually presents with sudden onset and may also cause additional symptoms such as:
- High fever lasting for 3-4 days6
- Severe myalgia
- Fatigue and weakness that may last 2-3 weeks or more
- Chills
- Loss of appetite7-11
The symptoms also affect quality of life by reducing alertness,12,13 causing a negative mood,12,13 performance reduction,13 slower reaction times,14,15 and disturbed/poor sleep2, 14
An influenza infection has the potential to deteriorate into pneumonia and respiratory failure, and may be life-threatening.10,11
Understanding the flu
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![Flu icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_SA/icons/GSK_GEP_ig-otrivin-relief-of-nasal-symptoms-750px.png?auto=format)
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The Panadol Cold & Flu range
Find out how the Panadol Cold & Flu range can help your patients.
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Patient care resources
Access a leaflet for your patients, which can help them understand the causes of the flu and how best to treat it.