Sunday, January 7, 2018

What Are Flu Symptoms?

Frustration about “The Flu”

There was a story on the news tonight about the dangerous flu outbreak across the country. Never once did the news story list the SYMPTOMS of the flu!

Why does this frustrate me? Because I hear people say (all the time) they ‘had the flu’ or their whole family came down with ‘the flu,’ or their child came home from school with ‘the flu’. Ask these people what their symptoms were… mostly they say vomiting and diarrhea. THOSE ARE NOT SYMPTOMS OF THE FLU!!!

If you don’t believe me, ask Google!

Flu Symptoms:

Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. People may also experience pain in the muscles, dehydration, flushing, loss of appetite, body aches, sweating, chest discomfort, head congestion, shortness of breath, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and (really low on the list) nausea.

There are other viruses and bacteria that cause stomach symptoms, but they are not Influenza. That flu shot you got at the beginning of flu season was for Influenza. I’m pretty sure there are no shots to prevent ‘stomach flu’.

Best way to stay healthy: wash your hands frequently! If you’re sick, stay home. Nobody else wants your illness no matter what the symptoms.

But please, for the love of sanity, get the terminology correct!

Rant over.

Sincerely, Grammar Nazi



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