Common Flu Symptoms in Adults and How to Identify Them

We understand how disruptive the flu can be for adults in our community. The most common flu symptoms we see in our patients often begin suddenly, with a high fever that may be accompanied by chills and sweating. Many adults report a persistent dry cough and a sore throat when they visit our clinic. Muscle aches—especially in the back, arms, and legs—are frequent complaints, as are headaches that can range from mild to severe.
 
Our patients often mention experiencing significant fatigue and a general sense of weakness or malaise, which can last for several days. Nasal congestion or a runny nose is also common. While less frequent, we sometimes see adults presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, particularly during certain flu seasons.
 
If you or a family member is experiencing these symptoms, the team is here to help. Early evaluation and supportive care can make a big difference in your recovery and help prevent complications. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment or for advice on managing flu symptoms at home.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we understand that distinguishing between the flu and a common cold can be challenging, especially since both illnesses share many symptoms. Our experienced providers are here to help you understand the key differences so you can take the right steps for your health and your family’s well-being.
 
The flu, caused by the influenza virus, usually appears suddenly and tends to be more severe than a common cold. If you have the flu, you might experience a high fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, headache, and sometimes a dry cough or sore throat. It’s also common to feel extremely tired or weak—sometimes for weeks after the initial symptoms.
 
On the other hand, the common cold develops more gradually and generally causes milder symptoms. Sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and a sore throat are more prominent with a cold, while fever and body aches are less common and usually mild if they occur at all. While colds are rarely serious, the flu can lead to complications—especially for young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
 
If you or a loved one experiences sudden, intense symptoms, difficulty breathing, or if symptoms worsen after a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention. At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, our team can provide a thorough evaluation, and if necessary, perform rapid flu testing to help confirm your diagnosis.
 
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a cold or the flu, or if you are at higher risk for complications, don’t hesitate to contact us. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we often see patients who are concerned they might have the flu, even if they don’t have a fever. While fever is a common symptom of influenza, not everyone experiences it. This is especially true for older adults, young children, or individuals with weakened immune systems, who may have milder symptoms—or no fever at all.
 
Even without a fever, you might still experience other flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Sometimes, the absence of fever can make it harder to recognize the flu, and symptoms may be mistaken for a common cold or another illness.
 
It’s important to remember that the flu can still be contagious and potentially serious, even if you don’t have a fever. If you’re feeling unwell or are at higher risk for complications, we encourage you to reach out. Our healthcare team is here to provide personalized care, answer your questions, and help you feel better as soon as possible.
 
If you suspect you may have the flu or have been exposed to someone with flu-like symptoms, please call our office to schedule an appointment or discuss your symptoms with one of our providers. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we see many adults each year experiencing flu symptoms, which typically begin suddenly with fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, cough, and sometimes a runny or stuffy nose. For most healthy adults, these symptoms last about five to seven days. However, it’s common for some symptoms—such as fatigue and a lingering cough—to persist for up to two weeks or a bit longer as your body recovers.
 
The most intense symptoms, like high fever and severe body aches, usually improve within the first three to five days. If you have a weakened immune system or a chronic health condition, symptoms may last longer, or complications may develop, so it’s especially important to monitor your health closely.

Dr. Yulia Neyman at Carrboro Family Medicine Center helps adults understand how to identify flu symptoms before they worsen. Early recognition allows for faster treatment and reduces the risk of complications, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
 
Our providers are here to help you manage flu symptoms and support your recovery. If your symptoms are severe, persist beyond a week, or you have concerns about complications, please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance and care. Most adults begin to feel better within a week, but full recovery can sometimes take a little longer. We’re here to help you feel your best! To consult our professionals, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients in Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, and surrounding areas.