Most people can treat the flu at home by getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of clear fluids, such as water and herbal tea. It is not always necessary to seek medical care or take medications to recover from the flu. During this period of rest, the immune system will fight off the infection.
Why do I have fever but no flu like symptoms?
Some types of cancer, certain medications, vaccines, and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may also be accompanied by a fever. If you have flu-like symptoms but no fever, you might suspect that you have a cold.
What should I do if I have flu symptoms?
If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. If, however, you have symptoms of flu and are in a high risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider (doctor, physician assistant, etc.).
Are there flu-like symptoms without a fever?
There are a number of flu-like symptoms without fever that could be indicative of the virus — and they are equally important to be on the lookout for. The flu season started early this year.
Can you have the flu without a high temperature?
It can occur without a high temperature, or fever, but typically does include this symptom. A fever is the body’s reaction to the infection and helps it fight back and recover. The best way to treat the flu is to stay home and rest while keeping hydrated with plenty of clear liquids.
How can I fix flu like symptoms?
9 Tips to Ease Flu SymptomsStay home and get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids.Treat aches and fever.Take care of your cough.Sit in a steamy bathroom.Run the humidifier.Try a lozenge.Get salty.More items...•
Can you treat the flu without going to the doctor?
Most people who have the flu (influenza) have a mild illness and don't need to see a doctor. Common flu signs and symptoms include: Fever above 100 F (38 C), though not everyone with the flu has a fever. A cough or sore throat.
Can you have coronavirus without a fever?
A fever is one of the common symptoms of COVID-19, but you can be infected with the coronavirus and have a cough or other symptoms with no fever, or a very low-grade one — especially in the first few days. Keep in mind that it is also possible to have the coronavirus with minimal symptoms or even no symptoms at all.
How can I know if it's flu or Covid?
You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone because they have some of the same symptoms. That's why testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis.
How can I treat flu at home?
We'll review 10 natural remedies and explain how to use them, and why they can help.Drink water and fluids. Drinking water and other fluids is even more important when you have the flu. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Drink warm broth. ... Up your zinc intake. ... Rinse with salt water. ... Drink herbal tea. ... Apply essential oils. ... Use a humidifier.More items...•
Can I have flu without fever?
A fever is part of the immune system's response to an infection and is a typical flu symptom. However, it is possible for the flu to occur without a fever. In mild cases of the flu, the body may be able to fight off the influenza virus without raising its temperature.
What do I do if I have mild symptoms of COVID-19?
Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas and do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask.
What are the stages of COVID symptoms?
Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can you have COVID with sore throat and no fever?
“We as a society used to be kind of dismissive of cold symptoms, but we can't be dismissive of them now. If you have just a sore throat with no other symptoms, it's less likely to be COVID-19. But with other symptoms, it is possible you have COVID. Sore throat, cough, fever – I would be worried about COVID.
What are the three common symptoms of coronavirus?
Watch for SymptomsFever or chills.Cough.Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.Fatigue.Muscle or body aches.Headache.New loss of taste or smell.Sore throat.More items...
How long do COVID symptoms take to show?
If you do experience symptoms, they will usually appear 2 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. However, it sometimes takes longer — up to 14 days — so it is recommended you wear a mask and minimize close contact with others for at least 10 days after the last day of exposure.
What does a COVID headache feel like?
Key Takeaways. A headache associated with COVID-19 can feel like a tension headache or a migraine. Some patients can also experience persistent daily headaches after recovering from an acute COVID-19 infection. Lifestyle changes and certain medications may treat a COVID headache to an extent.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
These include: a fever. aches and pains throughout the body. headaches. chills. a sore throat. an extreme feeling of fatigue.
Why is it important to drink fluids when you have a fever?
Drinking liquids is also very important when you have a fever because you can become dehydrated quickly.
What causes a fever?
Flu and fever. Other causes of fever. Flu vs. cold. Treatment. Feed a cold, starve a fever. When to worry. Stomach flu. The influenza virus. Influenza, or “flu” for short, is an illness caused by the influenza virus.
How high is the temperature of the flu?
If you do experience a fever with the flu, it is typically high, over 100ºF (37.78ºC), and is partly responsible for why you feel so bad. Treat a case of the flu seriously, even if you don’t have a fever. You are still contagious and your illness could progress and become a real concern, even if your temperature is not elevated.
Is the flu unpleasant?
For most people the flu is unpleasant but not serious. Anyone at risk for complications, however, should see a doctor if they suspect the flu. These people include: the very young. the elderly. those with chronic illness. those with a compromised immune system.
Can you stay home with the flu?
If you visit your doctor quickly enough, they may be able to give you an antiviral medication that can shorten the duration of the infection. Otherwise , you must simply stay home so that you can rest and recover. It’s also important to stay home and rest so you avoid infecting others.
Can you have a cold with no fever?
If you have flu-like symptoms but no fever, you might suspect that you have a cold. It is not always easy to tell the difference, and even a cold can cause you to have a mild fever.
What is considered a fever?
A fever is considered a body temperature that’s higher than your personal normal. The average body temperature or “normal” temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some people may run slightly colder or hotter.
Medical causes
Certain underlying medical conditions may cause feelings of feverishness without actually causing a fever. Here are a few potential causes to consider:
Environmental and lifestyle causes
Your environmental and lifestyle habits may also play a role in making you feel feverish. Possibilities include:
Other causes
Other causes of feeling feverish may be hormonal in nature, especially in women. Hot flashes in both perimenopause and menopause can make you feel hot and flushed, while also causing night sweats.
Treatments and home remedies
If you are feverish but aren’t displaying an abnormal body temperature, you can help make yourself feel cooler with the following strategies:
When to seek care
Talk with your doctor if you’re feeling chronically feverish despite making lifestyle changes. They may run diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, to help rule out any possible causes. If you’re currently taking any medications, they may adjust the type of drug, and they may also adjust the dose.
The bottom line
It’s possible to feel feverish but not have a fever, and there are many possible causes. Certain underlying medical conditions may increase your intolerance to heat, while some medications you take can also be to blame. Other causes may be temporary, such as exercising in the heat.
What should I do when I'm sick?
What should I do while I’m sick? Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.
Can the flu cause death?
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death . Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Can you go to the emergency room if you are sick?
No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, ...
Can you take Aspirin with the flu?
CDC also recommends that children and teenagers (anyone aged 18 years and younger) who have flu or are suspected to have flu should not be given Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any salicylate containing products (e.g. Pepto Bismol); this can cause a rare, very serious complication called Reye’s syndrome.
Are my symptoms flu or COVID-19?
It is impossible to clinically distinguish COVID-19 infection from seasonal flu. Therefore, if you have symptoms or a contact history, it is better to get tested for COVID-19.
Is flu vaccine necessary?
In the present scenario, it is essential to take the flu and COVID-19 vaccines (with booster) as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Top Can You Have the Flu Without a Fever Related Articles
How long does a cold last? How long is a cold contagious? Colds and fevers are some of the most common ailments in children. Learn common cold symptoms, treatment options, over the counter (OTC) medicines for cold and fever, home remedies, and how to relieve a sore throat.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
But be on the alert for signs of trouble such as shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, dizziness, or dehydration. If you’re experiencing any of these in addition to your flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or head to an emergency room.
How to diagnose bronchitis?
There’s no test for bronchitis like there is for the flu, so doctors usually diagnose it by asking about symptoms and examining you. Bronchitis treatment consists of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking meds that can relieve symptoms. RELATED: 8 Possible Reasons You Can’t Stop Coughing.
How long does bronchitis last?
The nagging cough of bronchitis can last up to three weeks, longer than a cough from the flu.
Is bronchitis the same as flu?
Bronchitis. Acute bronchitis not only has cold- and flu-like symptoms, it’s even caused by many of the same viruses. “Bronchitis has a lot of overlap–productive cough with mucus, lethargy, and a sore throat,” says Dr. Peterson. The main difference is that bronchitis doesn’t come with a high fever. Bronchitis symptoms also tend to center on your ...
Can strep throat be a symptom of the flu?
Strep throat may also bring swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, a skin rash, or white blotches on the tonsils. None of these is typical of the flu.
Do colds and flues have the same symptoms?
Both colds and influenza are viral illnesses, they both tend to occur in the same seasons, and they have many overlapping symptoms , like a sore throat and a stuffy nose.
Do colds come with chest pain?
And even though so many symptoms overlap, colds typically don’t come with chest pain or body aches, which are more characteristic of the flu, adds Dr. Peterson. RELATED: 11 Signs It’s More Serious Than the Common Cold.
What is the best defense against a virus?
The best defense at this early stage is most often to take a giant step back from your regular schedule and give your body the proper chance to rest. If you let your immune system do its job, it could help fight off the virus.
Can you get the flu from vomiting?
Depending on the specific virus you caught, you might be battling diarrhea, nausea, pain in the abdomen, and even vomiting. Aside from this being an obvious problem in and of itself, should you experience diarrhea or vomiting, subsequent dehydration is yet another issue. Staying properly hydrated is crucial in helping to fend off an impending flu.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Whether it’s a summer cold or a winter cold, colds often bring along their share of misery. A particularly bad cold could mimic some flu symptoms. These include having a runny and/or stuffed up nose, coughing, feeling like your chest is congested, even a sore throat and headache. In adults, fevers are rare in colds, but you ...
How long does it take for a cold to go away?
And, cold symptoms go away in about a week, usually, while flu symptoms can last much longer. 2. Meningitis (Bacterial or Viral) Meningitis is a serious infection or inflammation of the meninges. These are the membranes that surround and protect your brain and spinal cord.
What is the term for the body's overreaction to an infection?
3. Sepsis . Sepsis , what used to be called blood poisoning, is your body’s overreaction to an infection. As your body fights the infection, something goes wrong and your body begins to attack itself instead. Sepsis can be fatal, but it’s easy to miss the signs and symptoms or to mistake them for the flu.
What to do if you don't see a tick bite?
If you don’t see the bite, it’s easy to think it is just the flu. However, if you’ve been in an area where you could have received a tick bite, examine your skin to see if there are any red spots or a rash. This may be due to a tick bite. See a doctor to be safe. 7.
Can sepsis cause coughing?
If you think you may have sepsis, get medical help quickly. Pneumonia, whether it’s bacterial, viral or fungal, can initially be confused by the flu virus. Pneumonia symptoms can include a productive cough (bringing up green or yellow sputum), shortness of breath, fever, chills, and pain in your chest.
Can mononucleosis cause a fever?
While the infection itself isn’t usually serious, it can cause serious complications. Signs of mononucleosis include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms that would not be mistaken for the flu include swollen tonsils, skin rash, and a swollen spleen.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms include: Fever. Chills. Muscle soreness. Tiredness. Unlike the flu, Lyme disease can cause a rash where the tick bit you. It may be shaped like a bull’s-eye with one or more reddish rings. Some people with Lyme disease also have drooping of the face, or Bell’s palsy. Encephalitis.
What diseases can you catch in the fall?
HIV. Lyme Disease. Encephalitis. Meningitis. Adenoviruses. Pneumonia. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning. When you’re feeling run-down, feverish, and achy, you might wonder if you have the flu. You’re more likely to catch it in the fall or winter, especially if you haven’t gotten a flu shot.
How long does it take for AIDS to show symptoms?
The virus that causes AIDS can bring on flu-like symptoms about 2 to 4 weeks after you get infected. Some of the early possible signs of an HIV infection are:
Can meningitis cause nausea?
Some of the early symptoms of meningitis can seem like the flu. For instance, you may run a sudden high fever and get a headache with nausea or vomiting. These common viruses aren’t the same as the ones that cause the flu, but they can bring on flu-like symptoms.
Can HIV cause a fever?
Tiredness. Diarrhea. HIV infection can also cause unrelated symptoms, like : A rash on your face, neck, and upper chest after the fever. Open sores in your mouth, esophagus, anus, or on your penis. Lyme Disease. Deer ticks trigger this bacterial infection when they bite you. Symptoms include: Fever.
Can a cold cause a sore throat?
The Common Cold. Like the flu, a cold can wear you down and make you cough, sneeze, and cause a sore throat. Still, a few key clues may help you tell these viral illnesses apart. Colds usually come on slowly, and the symptoms tend to be milder. You’re more likely to get a runny or stuffy nose.
Can adenovirus cling to surfaces?
Although the two infections spread similarly, adenoviruses may cling to commonly touched surfaces longer. Disinfectants may not fight them as well. This common lung infection can range from mild to severe. The flu virus is one of several things, including bacteria and fungi, that can cause it.
What Is Considered A Fever?
Medical Causes
Environmental and Lifestyle Causes
- Your environmental and lifestyle habits may also play a role in making you feel feverish. Possibilities include: 1. excessive caffeine or alcohol intake 2. eating spicy foods 3. consuming hot beverages and foods 4. inaccurate temperature readings Exercise can also make you feel feverish, particularly if you work out in hot temperatures. An inability for your body to cool down i…
Other Causes
- Other causes of feeling feverish may be hormonal in nature, especially in women. Hot flashes in both perimenopause and menopausecan make you feel hot and flushed, while also causing night sweats. Pregnancy may also make you feel more feverish than normal, as well as your menstrual cycles. Certain medications can also increase your risk for heat intolerance, such as: 1. antibioti…
Treatments and Home Remedies
- If you are feverish but aren’t displaying an abnormal body temperature, you can help make yourself feel cooler with the following strategies: 1. avoid going outside during the middle of the day when temperatures are the hottest 2. make sure the temperature indoors is cool, and run fans when you can 3. drink plenty of fluids 4. wear lightweight, loo...
When to Seek Care
- Talk with your doctor if you’re feeling chronically feverish despite making lifestyle changes. They may run diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, to help rule out any possible causes. If you’re currently taking any medications, they may adjust the type of drug, and they may also adjust the dose.
The Bottom Line
- It’s possible to feel feverish but not have a fever, and there are many possible causes. Certain underlying medical conditions may increase your intolerance to heat, while some medications you take can also be to blame. Other causes may be temporary, such as exercising in the heat. If you continue to feel feverish despite lifestyle adjustments, talk with a health professional for next st…