the symptoms of influenza regardless of the type are really non-specific. very early in the course of the disease symptoms may be indistinguishable from a bad cold like a runny/stuffy nose cough sore throat or malaise. however getting influenza is more like getting hit with a truck. most doctors will suspect influenza as soon as they see a very ill-looking patient lying on the exam table. within three to six hours of getting the flu you will know it is not a common cold. the first major difference would be fever and chills. adults rarely get a fever with a common cold (children do however). influenza typically starts with an impressive fever accompanied by severe body aches. one patient of mine even claimed that everything hurt even his hair. most people are able to function with a common cold but with influenza you are down and out with profound fatigue. people with influenza usually complain of chest discomfort and headaches. remember that flu is a respiratory disease so gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea vomiting or diarrhea is not common although children can experience these systemic symptoms. what people call the "stomach flu" is really not influenza at all.
how do i know if i have the flu?