The symptoms of the flu (influenza) commonly include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu has a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Vomiting and diarrhea, more common in children than adults

These symptoms usually come on suddenly and can be more severe than a common cold, often making the person feel much worse

. In children, flu symptoms may also include decreased appetite, irritability, ear pain, and stomach upset with vomiting or diarrhea

. The flu typically causes respiratory symptoms but can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, sinus or ear infections, and worsening of chronic health conditions

. Symptoms generally appear 1 to 4 days after infection and can last several days to weeks, with fatigue and cough sometimes persisting longer