Can you have the flu without a fever?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, you can have the flu without a fever. While fever is a common flu symptom, not everyone infected with the influenza virus develops one. Many people still experience other telltale signs, including cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, chills, and headache. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those who've had a flu shot may be especially likely to have flu without a fever.

Because flu symptoms overlap with colds, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses, it can be hard to know exactly what's causing you to feel unwell—and whether you need rest, medication, or medical care. The sooner you identify the cause, the sooner you can start feeling better and avoid spreading illness to others. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights about your symptoms and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can sometimes occur without a fever. Although fever is a common symptom, it is not present in every case. According to research, some individuals, especially older adults or those with weakened immune systems, might experience the flu with no fever but still have other symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, or body aches.

Key Points:

Fever Absence: Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. This can make it tricky to recognize the flu based solely on body temperature.
Other Symptoms: Even without a fever, flu symptoms can include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue

Understanding that the flu can present in different ways is important for recognizing and managing the illness. If you're experiencing symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes.

(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.
Uyeki TM, Hui DS, Zambon M, Wentworth DE, & Monto AS. (2022). Influenza. Lancet (London, England), 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.

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