What are the symptoms of flu?

The symptoms of the common cold and the flu are very similar. As a result, many people often confuse one of the conditions with the other.  So, how can people tell the differences – without paying a visit to their doctors?

The most critical sign will be looking for the degree of severity of the symptoms. The more severe the symptoms are, the more likely it is that they are caused by flu. In addition, the symptoms leave just as rapidly as they come. The more common symptoms include soreness of the throat, headache, soreness and aches of the muscles, blockage of the nasal passages, fever and cough. In a few cases, such as in swine flu, the affected person may also suffer from more distressing conditions such as diarrhea and vomiting.

The symptoms associated with all types of flu – such as seasonal flu and swine flu – are similar. These symptoms last for a shorter period of time than those of common cold. In most cases, they alleviate after a period of five days. However, in a few cases, it may take about a week for a person to recover completely.