First Symptoms of Flu

Flu can make the whole body feel unwell rather than causing only nose and throat symptoms. Fever, aches and exhaustion may arrive close together; some people also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. A cold can cause similar symptoms but often develops more gradually and remains milder. Symptoms cannot confirm the virus, and other infections can look similar. Swollen glands or prolonged fever may point to another diagnosis, such as mumps, depending on the wider pattern.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and use temperature-appropriate clothing. Stay home while feverish and limit close contact, particularly with vulnerable people. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable symptom relief, especially if you are pregnant or have a long-term condition. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are severe, unusual or not improving.

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, collapse, severe dehydration or a rapidly worsening condition. Prompt medical advice is also sensible for infants, older adults, pregnancy or significant heart, lung or immune problems.

Ask whether testing or antiviral treatment is appropriate, how to manage fever safely, when you can return to normal activities, and whether MMR vaccination or another preventive measure is relevant to your history.