What Is Flu?
Influenza, or flu for short, is an extremely contagious viral illness that attacks your respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs). It shares many of its symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and sore throat, with the common cold, but tends to be more serious.
Cold symptoms arrive more slowly than their flu counterparts, developing gradually over one or two days. These symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
Flu symptoms tend to develop around 24 to 48 hours after you’ve been exposed to the infection. These symptoms can include:
- A sudden fever
- Shivering
- Headache
- Dry, chesty cough
- Aching muscles
- Fatigue
- Sore throat