diyhealth.com

Cold and Flu Symptoms

Cold and Flu: Symptoms


Top Symptoms

1. Earache

It is one common symptom of cold and flu infection. It takes place when the eardrum gets inflamed by the viral infection. Due to this, your ears may get some pressure and you may find it difficult to hear.

2. Stuffy nose

This problem is also known as sinus infection. It occurs due to accumulation of mucus in the nose. However, this problem gets resolved on its own within a week. Such type of problem arises during seasonal cold and flu.

3. Persistent congestion and headaches

Patients suffering from cold and flu are more prone towards getting allergies. When cold and allergies combine, it causes blockage of sinus passages resulting in sinus infection. This can also lead to pain around the face and eyes with thick nasal discharge. You are likely to have a bacterial infection for which you require an antibiotic.

4. Fever

Fever is not so common with cold but it is common if you have seasonal flu. If you suffer from a fever of more than 100 F or 39 C, you are advised to visit the doctor immediately. It is present in infections caused by H1N1 virus in up to 80% of all cases of flu.

5. Painful swallowing

Problem of sore throat is common in cold and flu. However, this can cause severe pain while swallowing, or mild discomfort which also means a strep throat. At such time, treatment by a doctor is needed.

6. Dizziness

Due to a stuffy nose, problem in breathing and less intake of food, experiencing dizziness are common signs in cold and flu. Cold and flu can make you feel dizzy, especially when you are under medication.

7. Headache

Headache is a common symptom of cold and flu. It has been noticed that more than 60 percent of people with cold symptoms have experienced headache as part of their head cold. This problem can be due to the release of molecules called cytokines. They are the body’s immune defense against viruses that cause headaches. Other than this, thick secretions accumulating in the sinus cavities can also cause headache.

8. Breath shortness

Due to stuffy or runny nose, the occurrence of this problem is common. Even though it is bit annoying and uncomfortable, but you have to endure this. Breath shortness can also occur if you inhale dust or mites, especially when you suffer from cold and flu.

9. Chest pain

Usually, symptoms of cold and flu improve over two to five days. However, a common complication of cold and flu is pain in chest, especially in the young, or people with lung problems. If you notice chest pain, you must inform your doctor. Due to chest pain, fever also comes back after having been gone for a day or two. Chest pain can also make it difficult to breathe.

10. Persistent coughing

When cold and flu infection occurs the cough stays for some time, may be 4 or 5 days. If such cough stays for a long period, like forย two or three weeks, it could be bronchitis. For this problem an antibiotic is needed. The flu virus enters your body through the mucous membranes of your nose or mouth. Whenever you touch these areas with your hand, you could be infecting yourself with a virus. Hence, it is necessary to keep your hands germ free with frequent washing. By doing this you can prevent symptoms from occurring. The cough at first can be dry one.

11. Not feeling hungry

Due to tiredness and weakness, the patient may not feel hungry. Other reasons behind it can be pain in throat and runny nose that make it difficult to eat properly.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top