What are the main signs and symptoms of the flu?

    Written by:
    Morgan Pfiffner, Nick Milazzo

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    by:

    Mike Murray, James Gaylor
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    The main signs and symptoms of the flu include fever and/or chills, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and headaches. These symptoms typically appear more rapidly and are more severe compared to those of the common cold.

    Signs and symptoms of the flu typically include:

    The flu shares many symptoms with the common cold. Compared to the common cold, symptoms tend to come on more rapidly and be more severe.[1]

    What are the main signs and symptoms of the flu? - Examine