Flu season is most prevalent during the cold months of winter, though no one is guaranteed to avoid an influenza infection when the weather starts to warm up. In fact, the temperature fluctuations of spring and fall can contribute to the development of the flu, much to the surprise of many people.
To provide the best counter to an emerging flu infection, it’s important to clearly understand the absolute earliest signs that it may be settling in. And while we often associate the flu with upset stomach and vomiting, there are a number of other symptoms that tend to make their presence known far earlier. By understanding some of these early symptoms of the flu, you can take appropriate action — such as visiting your family doctor — and work towards limiting the infection’s impact on your personal and professional lives.
1. Fever
Arguably the earliest sign of a flu taking hold of your body is the development of a fever. And not your typical, moderate fever, either: most flu sufferers will have more serious fevers, with their body temperature rising above 101 degrees.
That sets the flu apart from the common cold, which rarely comes with a high fever. Should that fever refuse to go down — even when you get rest, fluids, and take medication designed to reduce inflammation — you may continue to experience a high fever. That’s a good sign you’re dealing with a flu rather than the common cold.