Understanding influenza symptoms is extremely important for early identification of the ailment. This can help in knowing when to contact a physician to avoid further complications. Flu symptoms can be mild or sever and in most cases mild symptoms do not require medication. However, it is pertinent to identify the symptoms so that you are able to take adequate self care and get well soon. The most common symptoms of influenza are high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, fatigue, cough and runny nose. In some cases, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting can also occur and it is these symptoms that give influenza the common name of ‘stomach flu’. It is important to monitor the symptoms and the body temperature to ensure that the fever does not rise above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold swabs may be required to keep the temperature down.

Since the avian flu is also an influenza virus, initial bird flu symptoms are similar to those that occur in seasonal flu. In addition to these common and well known symptoms, eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory issues and other conditions can also surface making the ailment a life threatening one. Since bird flu symptoms are so similar to those of the common flu, a physical checkup may not be enough to unequivocally confirm the hypothesis. A laboratory test that tests a swab taken from the nose or the throat is the only way to confirm avian or bird flu. This molecular test is effective only if the tests are done in the initial stages of the flu. So if you notice any flu like symptoms and eye infection, you should consult a physicians who can then advice whether you need to get a test done for the bird flu or not.

Swine flu symptoms also mimic influenza symptoms. The most common symptoms are cough, fever, runny nose and fatigue. In the case of swine flu there are also stomach symptoms that may surface including nausea and vomiting. It has been noticed that people without a strong immune system are likely to react to the virus and this internal reaction causes collateral tissue damage and severe respiratory issues that may require respiratory aids like the ventilator. Extreme symptoms that are not managed in time may lead to pneumonia and even seizures. While the actual swine flu symptoms do not result in death, it is the secondary bacterial infections that can prove to be fatal for a weak and compromised immune system.

The influenza virus spreads a medical condition that cannot be treated. The medicines that are available only help in providing symptomatic relief or in curbing the replication of the virus to some extent. Therefore, it is essential the influenza symptoms be identified soon so that you can get tests done to eliminate the possibility of bird flu or swine flu.