Fever

Rare

Characteristic, high
(102-104°F); lasts 3-4 days

Headache

Rare

Prominent

General Aches, Pains

Slight

Usual; often severe

Fatigue, Weakness

Quite mild

Can last up to 2-3 weeks

Extreme Exhaustion

Never

Early and prominent

Stuffy Nose

Common

Sometimes

Sneezing

Usual

Sometimes

Sore Throat

Common

Sometimes

Chest Discomfort,
Cough

Mild to moderate;
hacking cough

Common; can become severe

Sinus congestion
or earache

Bronchitis, pneumonia;
can be life-threatening

None

Annual vaccination; amantadine
or rimantadine (antiviral drugs)

Only temporary
relief of symptoms

Amantadine or rimantadine within
24-48 hours after onset of symptoms