There are days when you don't even want to get out of bed, your whole body hurts, you feel feverish and lifeless? We often say to ourselves, "Oh, I feel like I have the flu." But did you know that these 'flu-like' symptoms are not always actually caused by the flu, that is, the
influenza virus ? There can be many other reasons behind these symptoms. Let's talk about that today.
What exactly are these 'flu-like' symptoms?
Simply put, 'flu-like symptoms' are the same symptoms we usually experience when we have influenza. But the important thing is that these symptoms can occur even without actually having influenza. When someone talks about these symptoms, they mean that they have some or all of these:
Even if you do have the flu, you don't have to have all of these symptoms at once. Also, just because you have these symptoms doesn't mean it's the flu. For example, these symptoms are also common in other viral infections, such as `(RSV)` or `(COVID-19)`.
Why do we get these 'flu'-like' symptoms?
There are many possible causes for this. The main causes are bacterial and viral infections. It can also occur as a side effect of treatments and due to diseases transmitted from animals.
Common causes of flu-like symptoms
| Reason type | Examples |
|---|
| Viral infections | Cold, `(COVID-19)`, `(RSV)`, `(Acute Hepatitis C)`, `(Adenovirus)`, `(Mononucleosis)`, `(Mpox)`, Viral meningitis. |
| Bacterial infections | Bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTI), sinus infections (Sinusitis), strep throat, cellulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). |
| Infections transmitted by animals | Leptospirosis, Dengue (from mosquitoes), Lyme disease, Rabies, Salmonella. |
| Treatment-related reasons | Chemotherapy or immunotherapy treatments for cancer, sudden discontinuation of certain medications, infections after surgery, and organ transplant rejection. |
When trying to figure out the cause of your symptoms, think about these things. This information will also be very important when talking to your doctor.
- Have you recently been in close contact with someone who is sick?
- Have you been to crowded places or have you recently traveled?
- Did you go for a walk in forested or grassy areas? (Because diseases can be transmitted by animals such as mosquitoes and ticks )
- Are you currently taking any new medications or receiving any medical treatment?
When you think about the answers to questions like these, you'll be able to get a rough idea of what might be causing this difficulty for you.
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. In general, these are the treatment options:
- Home care: Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
- Medications prescribed by a doctor: Antibiotics, antivirals, and antiparasitics, depending on the cause.
- Hospital treatment: In some cases, you may need to be hospitalized for IV fluids or other treatments.
Is your body sore after exercising?
Sometimes you can get flu-like symptoms after exercising. This can be caused by ``Exercise-induced rhinitis`` (runny nose caused by exercise) or ``Exercise-induced asthma``. Also, ``Overtraining`` can cause
muscle pain and fatigue.
Do you feel like you have the flu when you don't get enough sleep?
Yes. Sleep deprivation can cause symptoms of the flu, such as fatigue and headaches. Not only that, but prolonged sleep deprivation
weakens our immune system and increases our risk of illness.
What if these symptoms occur during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant and have any of these symptoms,
call your doctor right away. Infections like the flu can be more severe during pregnancy, so it is important to seek treatment early.
When should you seek medical advice?
A common cold usually goes away in a few days, but sometimes it is necessary to seek medical advice.
Call your doctor in these cases:
| - If symptoms do not improve after 7-10 days. |
| - If the fever lasts more than three days. |
| - If symptoms suddenly worsen. |
| - If you are pregnant. |
| - If you have another chronic disease such as diabetes or heart disease. |
| - If you have recently undergone surgery. |
Emergency! Go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately:
| - If the fever is higher than 40 degrees Celsius (103 Fahrenheit). |
| - If you have difficulty breathing. |
| - If you have persistent pain in the chest or abdomen. |
| - If you have severe dizziness or confusion. |
| - If seizures occur. |
| - If your lips, skin, or nails are blue (a sign of lack of oxygen in the blood). |
| - If the fever or cough subsides and then becomes severe again. |
Take-Home Message
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, fatigue) are not always caused by influenza. They can be caused by viruses, bacterial infections, or other causes.
- Be aware of your symptoms, when they started, and who you've been with or where you've been recently. This information is very important for your doctor.
- Getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids often helps with recovery.
- If symptoms are severe, do not improve within a few days, or you have warning signs such as difficulty breathing or high fever, seek medical advice immediately or go to the ETU.
Flu symptoms, fever, body aches, viral infections, colds, influenza, flu-like symptoms
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