7 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Think You Have The Flu

Your head is throbbing, joints cramped up, staggering like Norm from his favourite Cheer's stool but you haven't touched a drop of alcohol. Are you tired, burned out, fatigued--or do you have the flu? There are all kinds of weird flus going around these days. Did you know that one of the most common infections--contagious infections--among children under 5-years old is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, and can be easily transferred to adults through nose and throat secretions--and even dirty diapers? When I first heard of it, I thought it was a result of hygiene-deviance, or eating bad meat (there is a distinction between Hand Foot and Mouth Disease and Foot and Mouth (or Mad Cow Disease). 

Nevertheless, here are basic signs that you indeed have the flu--in case you are confused about that (it's pretty easy--once you realize it). If you are confused about your state (especially if you have a tendency to catastrophize your life or you are a known hypochondriac), ask yourself these simple questions:

1. Do I have a temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit? Am I feeling feverish?

2. Do I have a cough or dry, sore throat?

3. Is my nose runny or stuffed up? (Perhaps ask yourself this prior to eating any foods containing MSG) 

4. Do I have a headache and general body aches? (ask yourself this question only after you've completed your quota of coffee, chocolate, and/or other caffeinated products)

5. Do I have the chills? 

6. Am I fatigued?

7. Do I have nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea? 

There is a difference between the flu and common cold: flu symptoms are more severe, particularly the fever, cramping, chills, fatigue, and cough. Your doctor can help you determine this difference, should you need it clarified. 

If you have answered yes to a number of these questions, and you're generally feeling like trash, then give yourself plenty of rest and liquids. 

However, according to flu.gov, if you are experiencing a persistence of the following symptoms, find the nearest walk-in clinic or emergency:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Seizures
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough