Due to the increase in covid cases worldwide and in India, it can terrify you as a parent whenever you see your kid suffering from fever or even coughing or sneezing. Flu and Covid 19 spread the same way through the droplet infection. A thought also might cross your mind that is it covid or just a plain seasonal FLU. To resolve this query of yours, there are 13 symptoms which you can look at your teenage child to find whether it is flu or not.

Here are 13 symptoms in teenagers –

Headache

Once you have a cold or the flu, infection-fighting molecules known as “cytokines” might cause headaches. Your immune system produces these little chemicals. While their primary purpose is to combat infection, they can also induce inflammation, which can cause headaches in some people. A headache can also be induced by the inflammatory processes of the sinus cavities as a result of increased mucus from a cold or virus. This could be the source of the chronic discomfort you’re experiencing during the headache.

Sore throat

A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is caused by inflammation of the tissues of the pharynx (the region of the throat behind the mouth).

Fever

The body may elevate its temperature to make it tougher for the virus to multiply when combating an influenza infection. Fever is a term used to describe an unnatural rise in body temperature. A fever is a common flu symptom that occurs as part of the immune system’s response to an infection.

The Chills

Chills are a natural mechanism for your body to raise its core temperature. Chills are caused by cold weather, viruses, infections, and other disorders. Shivering causes your muscles to relax and contract. Your body warms up as a result of this unintentional activity.

Muscle aches

Inflammation-induced by the flu virus wreaking havoc on the body’s cells causes muscle aches. The aches and pains should go away once the virus has left the body, which could take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Pain can be reduced by resting, avoiding exertion, using heat, and taking anti-inflammatories.

Blocked nose

Viruses that cause the common cold or flu frequently enter the body through the nose. They spread inside the wall of your nasal passages once they’ve arrived. Inflammation occurs as a result of the body’s response to the infection, resulting in a stuffy nose.

Cough

Others believe that damage to the cell lining in our airways is frequent in influenza infections, which could explain why we have more severe coughing fits with flu than with the ordinary cold.

Tiredness

It is obvious to feel tired because of the cough and sneezing and your body constantly fighting the influenza virus.

Loss of appetite

Your brain chemistry changes when you get sick because the production of molecules called cytokines rises. These substances can suppress your appetite, allowing you to store energy for short-term illnesses such as the flu.

Diarrhea

When the viruses start targeting your digestive system, that’s when you experience diarrhea as a defense mechanism of the body to fight the virus.

Vomiting

The lining of the stomach or Intestinal tract is often inflamed and irritated when we are sick with a viral illness that causes vomiting. You irritate that lining, even more, when you try to eat or drink, forcing it to empty the contents of your stomach.

Chest congestion

The transfer of a cold or flu virus from the upper respiratory tract–your nasal passages, sinuses, and throat–to the lower respiratory tract–your breathing tubes (bronchi) and lungs–is one of the most common causes of chest congestion.

Other

Other symptoms such as earaches, dizziness, and nausea can also be experienced.

Flu can last from a few days to 2 weeks around in teenagers. However, the time depends on the body to body.

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