Headaches, body aches, fever… These symptoms may resemble the flu, but it’s not the flu. So how can you tell?
Flu-like illness, unlike influenza, is not caused by the flu virus but by other respiratory viruses, which are especially common from autumn onward.
Flu-like symptoms can last for several days. Although they may weaken you, you can usually continue working — unlike with the flu. If you’re unsure about managing flu-like symptoms, don’t hesitate to ask a healthcare professional.
Most often, it’s the intensity of the symptoms that helps distinguish between the two.
Symptoms of flu-like illness are similar to those of the flu but are less intense. They include mild fatigue, moderate fever, mild headaches, as well as nasal discharge and/or a blocked nose.
Flu-like illness is contagious, as respiratory viruses spread easily through droplets:
That’s why, whether you’re sick or not, it’s important to wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs. Also, always cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a disposable tissue when sneezing or coughing. Find more tips on Santé Publique France or ameli.fr.
Fever helps fight infections by acting as an alarm signal. But why do we get a fever and how does it manifest?
1. Larousse Online. Flu-like illness.
Available at: http://larousse.fr/archives/rechercher?q=etat+grippal&base=medical (accessed February 17, 2023)
3. AMELI. Barrier gestures to reduce the spread of seasonal viruses and COVID-19, October 2022.
Available at: https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/gestes-barrieres/les-gestes-barrieres-adopter (accessed February 17, 2023)