What should you know about flu and light sensitivity?

Light sensitivity, also called photophobia, means ordinary light feels painful or unusually harsh. During flu it may accompany fever, headache, tiredness or eye discomfort. A darkened room may feel more comfortable while you recover. Light sensitivity can also occur with migraine or conjunctivitis, so its pattern matters: eye redness and discharge suggest an eye problem, while a throbbing headache with nausea may fit migraine. Flu does not explain every new or severe headache.

Rest in a softly lit room and reduce screen brightness. Wear sunglasses outdoors if needed, but do not keep your eyes covered in darkness for long periods if light is tolerable. Drink fluids, rest and use suitable fever or pain relief according to the label and your medical history. Avoid driving if headache, dizziness or blurred vision makes it unsafe. Do not use someone else’s eye drops.

Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, fainting, a new rash, repeated vomiting, marked drowsiness or difficulty waking. Prompt assessment is also needed for severe eye pain, vision loss, a very red eye or pain when moving the eye. Contact a clinician if light sensitivity persists after the flu symptoms settle, keeps returning, or prevents normal activities.

Could this be part of flu, or does the headache pattern suggest migraine? Do my eye symptoms need examination for conjunctivitis? Which pain relief is appropriate for me, and what change should prompt urgent review?