Influenza (Flu) Quiz
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Have a fever
Joint pain that is always there
Both hips hurt
Loss of appetite
Poor feeding
Fatigued
Have joint pain
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Influenza (Flu)?
An infection caused by the influenza virus, typically affecting the respiratory tract (nose, windpipe, lungs).
Typical Symptoms of Influenza (Flu)
- Joint pain affecting multiple joints throughout body
- Whole body pain
- Fever
- Discharge of yellow or green sputum.
- Pain in the temples
- Forehead pain
- Seizure
- People with similar symptoms around me
Diagnostic Questions for Influenza (Flu)
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have joint pain in multiple joints throughout your body?
- Do you have pain all over your body?
- Do you have a fever?
- Do you have yellow or green sputum?
- Do you have pain in your temples?
Treatment of Influenza (Flu)
Antiviral medications for the flu can lessen symptom severity and promote quicker recovery. To be effective, these flu antiviral medications should be taken within the first 48 hours of illness.
Reviewed By:
Phillip Aguila, MD, MBA (Pulmonology, Critical Care)
Dr. Aguila graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine. He has trained in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Internal Medicine at Medical College of Pennsylvania/Hahnemann University at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He has served as Assistant Professor since 2010.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Apr 4, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Influenza (Flu)?
Try a symptom check testHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min Influenza (Flu) quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- My whole body aches and I feel weak
- Body aches and chills
- My body is hot
- Joint pain and stiffness all over body
- Whole body aches no fever
- Recurrent fevers
- My whole body hurts
- Periodic fever (>100.4°F / 38°C)
- Whole body pain
- Fever then no fever then fever again
- Remittent fever of 102.2°F / 39°C
- Extremely high fever of 106.7°F / 41.5°C or higher
- Fever of 100.4°F / 38°C or more for weeks
- Stomach was uncomfortable, then had a fever
- Stomachache and diarrhea before a fever
See full list
User Testimonials for Influenza (Flu)
Male, Teens
Ubie confirmed the severity of my health problems. It pushed me to actually contact a doctor, instead of staying at home & suffering. My primary care provider told me I had the flu and prescribed medicines.
(Feb 20, 2025)
Symptoms Related to Influenza (Flu)
Diseases Related to Influenza (Flu)
FAQs
Q.
How soon should you start taking antiviral medicine after flu symptoms begin?
A.
You should start taking antiviral medicine within 48 hours of flu symptoms beginning for the best results.
References:
Chan KKP, & Hui DSC. (2023). Antiviral therapies for influenza. Current opinion in infectious diseases, 36752709.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36752709/
Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2024). Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza .... Pediatrics, 39183669.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39183669/
Morris SE, Mathis SM, Reeves E, Chung JR, Borchering RK, Lewis NM, et al. (2025). Modeling the Potential Impacts of Outpatient Antiviral .... The Journal of infectious diseases, 40219874.
Q.
Who should definitely consider taking prescription flu medicine?
A.
People who are older or have health problems should think about taking prescription flu medicine to help prevent serious illness.
References:
Drinka PJ. (2003). Influenza vaccination and antiviral therapy: is there a role .... Drugs & aging, 12578397.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12578397/
Prada GI, Băjenaru OL, Chelu GC, Matei-Lincă CM, Nuţă CR, & Moscu SG. (2024). Protecting the elderly from influenza in the context of .... Journal of medicine and life, 39440332.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39440332/
Rosero CI, Gravenstein S, & Saade EA. (2025). Influenza and Aging: Clinical Manifestations .... Drugs & aging, 39775605.
Q.
Are there side effects or precautions when taking flu antivirals?
A.
Flu antivirals like oseltamivir can have side effects such as liver issues and mental health changes. It's important to be aware of these when taking the medication.
References:
Mastroianni A, Vangeli V, Greco S, Urso F, Greco F, Chidichimo L, & Mauro MV. (2021). Oseltamivir and acute hepatitis, reality association or .... Antiviral therapy, 35485329.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35485329/
Lan CC, Liu CC, & Chen YS. (2015). Acute exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms during .... Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA, 25823677.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25823677/
Jefferson T, Jones M, Doshi P, Spencer EA, Onakpoya I, & Heneghan CJ. (2014). Oseltamivir for influenza in adults and children: systematic .... BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 24811411.
Q.
Can you have the flu without a fever?
A.
Yes, you can have the flu without a fever. Some people with influenza may not show a fever but can still have other symptoms like a cough or sore throat.
References:
Smith BJ, Price DJ, Johnson D, Garbutt B, Thompson M, Irving LB, et al. (2020). Influenza With and Without Fever: Clinical Predictors .... Open forum infectious diseases, 33123614.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33123614/
Uyeki TM, Hui DS, Zambon M, Wentworth DE, & Monto AS. (2022). Influenza. Lancet (London, England), 36030813.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36030813/
Ehrhard S, Herren L, Ricklin ME, Suter-Riniker F, Exadaktylos AK, Hautz W, et al. (2024). Do all Emergency Room Patients With Influenza-like .... Open forum infectious diseases, 38770207.
Q.
Can you take flu medicine together with over-the-counter cold remedies?
A.
You can generally take flu medicine with over-the-counter cold remedies, but be cautious of overlapping ingredients.
References:
Eccles R. (2006). Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter analgesics in .... Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, 16882099.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16882099/
Picon PD, Costa MB, da Veiga Picon R, Fendt LC, Suksteris ML, Saccilotto IC, et al. (2013). Symptomatic treatment of the common cold with a fixed .... BMC infectious diseases, 24261438.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24261438/
White WB, & Riotte K. (1985). Drugs for cough and cold symptoms in hypertensive patients. American family physician, 3976459.
Q.
Do you still need flu medicine if you've had the flu shot?
A.
Even if you get the flu shot, you might still need flu medicine if you catch the flu, as the shot doesn't always prevent it completely.
References:
Drinka PJ. (2003). Influenza vaccination and antiviral therapy: is there a role .... Drugs & aging, 12578397.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12578397/
Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2024). Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza .... Pediatrics, 39183669.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39183669/
Grohskopf LA, Alyanak E, Broder KR, Blanton LH, Fry AM, Jernigan DB, & Atmar RL. (2020). Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with .... MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports, 32820746.
Q.
Does the flu cause a higher fever than a regular cold?
A.
Yes, the flu usually causes a higher fever than a regular cold.
References:
Murray EL, Khagayi S, Ope M, Bigogo G, Ochola R, Muthoka P, et al. (2013). What are the most sensitive and specific sign and symptom .... Epidemiology and infection, 22417876.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22417876/
Montalto NJ. (2003). An office-based approach to influenza: clinical diagnosis .... American family physician, 12537174.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12537174/
Abdullahi H, Elnahas A, & Konje JC. (2021). Seasonal influenza during pregnancy. European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 33476926.
Q.
How can you tell the difference between a common cold and the flu?
A.
The common cold usually causes mild symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat, while the flu often leads to more severe symptoms such as high fever and body aches.
References:
Eccles R. (2005). Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and .... The Lancet. Infectious diseases, 16253889.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16253889/
Prior L, Evans MR, & Prout H. (2011). Talking about colds and flu: the lay diagnosis of two .... Social science & medicine (1982), 21186076.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21186076/
Czubak J, Stolarczyk K, Orzeł A, Frączek M, & Zatoński T. (2021). Comparison of the clinical differences between COVID-19 .... Advances in clinical and experimental medicine : official organ Wroclaw Medical University, 33529514.
Q.
How quickly do symptoms appear with the flu compared to a cold?
A.
Flu symptoms usually appear faster than cold symptoms, often within 1 to 4 days after infection.
References:
Yamagishi T, Matsui T, Nakamura N, Oyama T, Taniguchi K, Aoki T, et al. (2010). Onset and duration of symptoms and timing of disease .... Japanese journal of infectious diseases, 20858998.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20858998/
Cori A, Valleron AJ, Carrat F, Scalia Tomba G, Thomas G, & Boëlle PY. (2012). Estimating influenza latency and infectious period .... Epidemics, 22939310.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22939310/
Baccam P, Beauchemin C, Macken CA, Hayden FG, & Perelson AS. (2006). Kinetics of influenza A virus infection in humans - PubMed - NIH. Journal of virology, 16840338.
Q.
What are the first symptoms that suggest you might have the flu, not a cold?
A.
The flu usually starts suddenly with a high fever, body aches, and extreme tiredness, while a cold comes on more gradually with a runny nose and sore throat.
References:
Cate TR. (1987). Clinical manifestations and consequences of influenza. The American journal of medicine, 3591813.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3591813/
Monto AS, Gravenstein S, Elliott M, Colopy M, & Schweinle J. (2000). Clinical signs and symptoms predicting influenza infection. Archives of internal medicine, 11088084.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11088084/
Gaitonde DY, Moore FC, & Morgan MK. (2019). Influenza: Diagnosis and Treatment. American family physician, 31845781.
Q.
If I get the flu, when can I return to work or school?
A.
You should stay home from the flu until you have no fevers for 24 hours while not taking anti-fever medication and you're feeling better to go back to work or school.
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Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Webster RG, Govorkova EA. Continuing challenges in influenza. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2014 Sep;1323(1):115-39. doi: 10.1111/nyas.12462. Epub 2014 May 30. PMID: 24891213; PMCID: PMC4159436.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nyas.12462Gaitonde DY, Moore FC, Morgan MK. Influenza: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Dec 15;100(12):751-758. PMID: 31845781.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/1215/p751.htmlLabella AM, Merel SE. Influenza. Med Clin North Am. 2013 Jul;97(4):621-45, x. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2013.03.001. PMID: 23809717.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025712513000424?via%3DihubKeilman LJ. Seasonal Influenza (Flu). Nurs Clin North Am. 2019 Jun;54(2):227-243. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2019.02.009. PMID: 31027663.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002964651930009X?via%3DihubKumar V. Influenza in Children. Indian J Pediatr. 2017 Feb;84(2):139-143. doi: 10.1007/s12098-016-2232-x. Epub 2016 Sep 19. PMID: 27641976.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12098-016-2232-x