Do you have the flu? It’s hard to tell sometimes, especially if you’re not feeling your best. The flu is a nasty virus that can knock you out for weeks. If you think you might have it, don’t wait to find out – take this quiz and find out for sure.
The quiz is based on the symptoms of the flu, so it’s a good way to figure out if your illness is really the flu, or just a cold or some other type of virus.
So don’t wait – take the quiz now and find out if you need to see a doctor about your flu symptoms.
Table of Contents
- Do I Have The Flu Quiz
- What Causes the Flu?
- What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?
- How Do I Know If It’s the Flu or a Cold?
- How Is the Flu Treated?
- How to Treat the Flue at Home?
- Can You Prevent the Flu?
- Get Help From DrHouse!
Do I Have The Flu Quiz
Disclaimer: This quiz is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is designed to provide general information and guidance. This quiz is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please see your doctor for professional advice.
What Causes the Flu?
The flu is caused by viruses that belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae, which includes three main types: influenza A, influenza B, and influenza C. Influenzas A and B are the most common and are responsible for most flu outbreaks.
Influenza A viruses can infect both humans and animals, and they are further divided into subtypes based on the combination of two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA).
There are 18 known subtypes of hemagglutinin and 11 known subtypes of neuraminidase, which means that there are many different combinations of influenza A viruses that can cause the flu in humans.
The flu is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Flu viruses can survive on surfaces for a few hours, so it’s important to wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The flu is a highly contagious illness, and it can be difficult to avoid getting it, especially during the peak flu season. The flu season typically starts in the fall and lasts through the winter, with the highest number of cases occurring in January or February.
What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?
The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Some of the most common symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, cough, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, loss of appetite, and stomach upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In some cases, people with the flu may also experience chest discomfort or difficulty breathing.
The symptoms of the flu can range from mild to severe, and they usually come on suddenly. The fever, which is often the first sign of the flu, can range from 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The chills and body aches are often accompanied by headaches and a sore throat. The cough, which can be dry or productive, can be severe and can lead to difficulty breathing.
The flu can also weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to other infections, such as pneumonia or bacterial infections. In some cases, the flu can be severe and can lead to hospitalization or even death, particularly in older adults, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions.
How Do I Know If It’s the Flu or a Cold?
It can be difficult to determine if you have the flu or a cold based on symptoms alone, as the two conditions have many similar symptoms. However, there are some key differences that can help you to determine which illness you have.
One of the main differences between the flu and a cold is the severity of the symptoms. The flu typically causes more severe symptoms than a cold, such as high fever, body aches, and fatigue. A cold, on the other hand, is usually milder and is characterized by symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough.
Another difference between the flu and a cold is the speed at which the symptoms develop. The symptoms of the flu tend to come on suddenly, within a few hours or a day, while the symptoms of a cold tend to develop more gradually over the course of a few days.
In general, if you have a high fever, body aches, and severe fatigue, it is more likely that you have the flu. If you have a mild fever, runny or stuffy nose, and a cough, it is more likely that you have a cold. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your symptoms and to receive appropriate treatment.
How Is the Flu Treated?
There are several things you can do to help treat the flu if you or someone you know becomes sick. First and foremost, it’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. This will help your body fight off the infection and recover more quickly.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve fever, body aches, and other flu symptoms. Decongestants can also be helpful in reducing a stuffy nose and relieving sinus pressure. Cough suppressants can help calm a dry or productive cough.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the flu. These medications can be especially helpful if they are started within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing. It’s important to take these medications as directed and to finish the entire course of treatment to ensure that the virus is fully eradicated from your body.
How to Treat the Flue at Home?
If you or someone you know has the flu, several home remedies can help provide relief from the symptoms. One of the best ways to treat the flu at home is to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
In addition to medication, there are some other things you can do to help manage your symptoms at home. Using a humidifier or taking a warm shower can help alleviate congestion and make breathing easier.
Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can also support your immune system and help you recover more quickly. Finally, it’s important to practice good hygiene to help prevent the spread of the flu. This includes washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others who are sick.
Can You Prevent the Flu?
There are several things you can do to help prevent the flu. The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine helps protect against the most common strains of the flu and can reduce the risk of getting the flu by 40 to 60 percent.
In addition to getting a flu vaccine, there are some other things you can do to help prevent the flu. These include washing your hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with others who are sick, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. It’s also a good idea to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and keyboards, to help prevent the spread of the flu.
How Can DrHouse Help You?
If you have the flu or think you may have been exposed to it, DrHouse can provide you with personalized treatment options and care. We offer 24/7 on-demand virtual doctor visits, so you can get the care you need without having to leave your home.
The clinicians at DrHouse can diagnose and treat the flu online, and provide prescription medications if needed. Our providers are available day or night, 365 days a year, to help you feel better as quickly as possible!
FAQ
How Do You Rule Out the Flu?
The best way to rule out the flu is to consult with a healthcare provider. They will be able to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
Can You Get the Flu Without a Fever?
Yes, you can get the flu without a fever. Other common symptoms of the flu include sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and coughing. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
The flu can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The duration of the flu depends on your age, overall health, and how quickly you seek medical attention. Following doctor’s orders and taking prescribed medications can help reduce the severity of the infection and speed up recovery time.
Do You Have to Quarantine for the Flu?
In some cases, doctors may recommend quarantine for the flu. Quarantine is a way to help prevent the spread of infection, and it’s important to comply with this recommendation if your doctor recommends it.
How Do I Know if It’s the Flu or COVID?
Both the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, but there are some key differences. For example, people with COVID-19 may experience a loss of smell or taste, while this is not a common symptom of the flu. Your doctor can help diagnose which virus you have, so it’s important to seek medical advice if you’re feeling unwell.
Sources:
- Flu Symptoms & Complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm
- Flu (Influenza). Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
- Influenza. John Hopkins Medicine. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza
- Flu symptoms: Should I see my doctor? Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/expert-answers/flu-symptoms/faq-20057983
DrHouse articles are written by MDs, NPs, nutritionists and other healthcare professionals. The contents of the DrHouse site are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.
