As flu season approaches, many people experience symptoms that leave them wondering whether they’re dealing with a common cold, allergies, or the flu. One frequently asked question is whether a sore throat can be an early symptom of the flu. The short answer is yes, a sore throat can occur early in the flu’s progression, but it’s often accompanied by other hallmark symptoms that differentiate it from other illnesses. In this blog, we’ll explore the onset of influenza symptoms and discuss when it’s necessary to seek medical care.
For same-day flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. Our medical team can provide flu testing, vaccination, and treatment on a walk-in basis. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, just pre-register below!
Why the Flu Causes a Sore Throat
An inflamed throat can be typically one of the first symptoms experienced by a person with the flu and this is due to the preliminary effects of the virus in the respiratory system. The influenza virus is known to attack the throat, airways, and any other areas covered with the mucous membrane leading to inflammation of the affected area.
This in turn leads to irritation, a feeling of dryness, and sometimes pain when one tries to speak or swallow. Influenza-related sore throats, when looked at as upper respiratory tract viral infections, tend to come on very fast. They are often associated with systemic ailments such as fatigue and chills.
How to Distinguish Between a Flu-Related Sore Throat vs. Other Illnesses
It is often a challenge to distinguish a sore throat from the flu compared to a sore throat from a different illness, like a common cold or allergies. However, here are the main distinguishing details:
- Flu: Sudden, acute illness with fever, chills, and sore throats with accompanying body pain.
- Cold: Symptoms develop in about two days, with a mild sore throat – and mild to no fever.
- Allergies: Symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, cough, and no fever.
Additional Flu Symptoms to Watch For
Other than a sore throat, the flu commonly also displays these early symptoms:.
- High Fever: A hallmark of the flu, typically exceeding 100°F
- Sudden Fatigue: An overwhelming sense of exhaustion that starts abruptly
- Chills: A feeling of coldness often accompanies the fever
- Dry Cough: Usually non-productive but can worsen over time
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: The pain intensifies during excessive facial movement
- Nausea: Especially in children
While most sore throats improve without medical attention, there are some instances where you should seek immediate medical attention. This includes a sore throat that occurs with a high fever, and symptoms that worsen after 3-4 days instead of improving.
Get Same-Day Sore Throat Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill
By understanding the connection between sore throats and the flu, you can take prompt action to care for yourself and reduce the spread of illness. At AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill, we can diagnose the flu quickly and provide treatments to help you recover faster. From antiviral medications to symptomatic relief, our team is available to support your health throughout flu season. By being proactive, it is possible to avoid complications and return to being healthy as quickly as possible! The center is conveniently located at 1295 Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO. 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 team directly at (303) 639-1000.
