A fever is one of the tell-tale flu symptoms, but it’s not always a symptom. Those who have a mild case of the flu might not have to deal with a fever, but it’s rare.

Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team shares other helpful info about the flu and its symptoms below, so keep reading!

Why Is a Fever a Common Flu Symptom?

According to experts, the body raises its temperature to make it difficult for a virus to replicate, which is what happens when the body is fighting off the influenza virus.

Like we said earlier, a fever isn’t 100% guaranteed when dealing with the flu, but it’s still one of the most common flu symptoms. We’ve listed some other common flu symptoms below.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Aches and pains throughout the body
• Headaches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• An extreme feeling of fatigue
• A persistent and worsening cough
• Stuffy or runny nose

Can I Treat a Flu Fever?

Yes, you can! Running a fever can cause lots of discomfort, but there are things you can do at home to feel better.

In fact, if you take your temperature and you have a fever, it’s important to quickly take steps, like the ones we’ve mentioned below, to lower your temperature. Untreated fevers can lead to lots of health complications–especially among children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems.

Ways to Help Break a Fever

• Stay in bed and get plenty of rest.
• Keep hydrated! Drinking lots of water, tea and diluted fruit juices can help to replenish lost fluids.
• Take OTC medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Stick to the proper dosage on the bottle, and don’t them use alongside other fever-reducing medications.
• Stay cool. Remove extra layers of clothing and blankets, unless you have the chills.

Getting the annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu this winter! We offer the vaccine at our AFC center, so don’t wait to stop by today to get yours.