By comparison, the onset of flu symptoms are more sudden and severe. Fever may quickly soar to the 102° to 104°F range. Headaches are common and prolonged. Muscular aches and pains appear throughout the body. A sore throat is a frequent symptom. Bouts of chill and shivering often alternate between periods of sweating. The eyes are sore, the face is often flushed, and the skin hot and moist. The victim feels weak and fatigued and appetite may fade. Almost 90 percent of flu victims are afflicted with dry, hacking cough and, often, a chest discomfort also. Existence of a local flu epidemic supports the probability that the diagnosis of influenza is correct
Alarming as they may appear, flu symptoms pose little risk to a healthy adult or child. In any case, medical science is unable to cure or alleviate either a common cold or flu since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
Because both cold and flu viruses may create raw, irritated tissue, and also overload the immune system, a bacterial infection of the nose, sinuses, throat or chest may follow a cold or flu.
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