Flu season is upon us here in Kentucky and all across the United States.  We asked a group of folks what their symptoms were and compiled a list.

WHAT IS THE FLU?

I swear I think I've had the flu more times than I can count in the past several years but I have only actually ever been tested less than a handful of times.  So, what is the flu or influenza?

According to cdc.gov;

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

 

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HOW CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLD AND THE FLU?

Both have very similar symptoms but are caused by very different viruses.

Here's what cdc.gov says;

Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses.

SYMPTOMS KENTUCKIANS ARE EXPERIENCING WITH THE FLU

Late last week I started to get a runny nose and had the worst headache I've had in a really long time.  I didn't think much about it since the leaves were falling and the pressure in the air had changed.  This weekend I started getting body aches and a sore throat so I took to social media to see what others were experiencing with the flu.

  • CHILLS-When your body gets chills its actually a good thing because that is the body's way of boosting your temperature inside and helping you fight off the flu.
  • BODY ACHES-The soreness you feel when you get sick is due to your body once again fighting off the sickness.
  • HEADACHE-(According to avogel;)

    Headaches caused by the flu often occur alongside a fever. Flu viruses cannot multiply in high temperatures, so your body raises your temperature, resulting in a fever. This causes your blood vessels to dilate, increasing the pressure inside your head, causing feelings of heaviness or pounding as well as pain.

    In addition, headaches can be worsened by sinus pain. When you have the flu, the mucous membranes lining your sinuses and nasal cavities can become inflamed. This also leads to increased pressure around your face and eyes, worsening your headache.

  • SORE THROAT-The flu virus comes through your nose and cause the nasal passage to become inflammed.  This also can cause sinus drainage causing irritation to the throat.
  • COUGH & CONGESTION-Mucous is actually your friend despite what most people think.  It is one way the body grabs hold of the flu virus and helps to get it out of your body.  It makes you cough and then you get it up and out.
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