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Content on this page was developed during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and has not been updated.

  • The H1N1 virus that caused that pandemic is now a regular human flu virus and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide.
  • The English language content on this website is being archived for historic and reference purposes only.
  • For current, updated information on seasonal flu, including information about H1N1, see the CDC Seasonal Flu website.

Know the Symptoms of Flu

December 5, 2009, 6:00 AM ET

Flu symptoms

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:man with flu symptoms

  • A fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)

Some people may also:

  • Throw up
  • Have loose stools (diarrhea)

How long should people with the flu stay at home?

People with flu-like illness should stay at home except to get medical care or other necessities:

  • Until at least 24 hours after they are free of a fever without having taken any medicines that lower fever. Examples of medicines that lower fever include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (such as Advil®; or Motrin®).
 
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