When most people think of the flu, they picture chills, body aches, and a fever as the hallmark symptoms. While fever is a common indicator of the flu, it’s not always present. In fact, it’s possible to have the flu without running a fever at all, which can make it more difficult to recognize and differentiate it from other illnesses like the common cold. In this blog, we’ll explore how to identify the onset of flu symptoms and when to seek medical care.
For same-day flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our medical team can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan treatment with no appointment necessary. Just walk in!
Understanding the Onset of Flu Symptoms
The flu, caused by the influenza virus, affects the respiratory system and typically brings on a range of symptoms. The presence of fever is one of the symptoms of the flu; however, other symptoms may suggest the onset of the virus, including:
- Extreme tiredness and lack of energy can appear suddenly and last for a day or days.
- Widespread muscular and skeletal pain, particularly severe pain in some individuals.
- A non-productive or productive cough with occasional chest discomfort.
- Pain in the throat may occur due to the inflammatory reaction of the flu virus.
Why Does the Flu Not Always Cause a Fever?
Not all infections will result in fever, contrary to public opinion. This is because a mild infection with the flu virus may not be enough to provoke a body fever response. The delayed response is often a result of the immune system's ability to react in a variety of ways; some would be effective against the flu virus infection but would not allow much increase in the body temperature.
Delayed immune response contributes to low energy or body pain that occurs before a fever develops. In some cases, older adults, young children, or individuals with weakened immune systems might not have a fever response. Additionally, different strains of the flu virus can produce varying symptoms, and some might not trigger a fever in every individual.
Other Symptoms That Point to the Flu
Even without a fever, experiencing any of the following symptoms can mean you have the flu:
- Chills, even in the absence of fever, might be felt more often; it could also mean that the body is busy carrying out some task to overcome a certain infection.
- Loss of appetite because one feels too weak or sick.
- Some cases of flu may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Cough and sore throat that can persist for weeks after the onset of the flu.
Get a Walk-In Flu Shot & Flu Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
If you suspect that you have the flu but don’t have a fever, pay attention to other symptoms like fatigue, body aches, and a sudden onset of illness. At AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove, our healthcare providers can confirm the flu through a rapid test, which helps distinguish it from similar illnesses. Without any fever-like signs, you should still visit our urgent care facility for a diagnosis in order to ensure a proper recovery. We provide fast, reliable flu testing and treatment to help you feel better fast. Don’t let flu symptoms linger– visit our walk-in clinic today for expert care! Appointments are not required to be seen by a board-certified medical provider. Just walk-in! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our office directly at (973) 239-2300.
