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Got the flu?

Your fever’s up, your appetite’s down, and you can’t get out of bed. Do you have the flu? Before you go the ER unnecessarily, arm yourself with an understanding of flu symptoms, and know when to call your doctor.

Influenza, or the flu, is caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms are concentrated in the respiratory system. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) list the symptoms of influenza as fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. “Stomach flu” is a misnomer that describes vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, but these symptoms are rarely related to influenza in adults.

Abrupt onset of symptoms is one clue that it’s influenza. Flu is more aggressive than a cold, and fevers tend to be higher-100 to 104 F.

In most people, the flu will run its course in five to seven days. Some, however, are more susceptible to serious complications; and the CDC reports that about 36,000 people die from influenza every year.

People with chronic medical conditions like heart, kidney, lung, or liver problems should see the doctor right away if they think they have the flu because they have a higher risk of complications, such as pneumonia.

Even if you don’t have a chronic condition, call your doctor if your fever is 102 or higher and you can’t get out of bed. If you’ve been sick, started to feel better, and then got worse again, call your doctor or go to the ER. It’s important to figure out if it’s the flu or something else mimicking it, like a kidney infection.

The flu can be quite debilitating even for otherwise healthy people. Doctors recommend resting until the fever and aches are gone and you are able to eat and drink again.

The flu vaccine might help you avoid these questions altogether. Health care workers, those at risk for serious complications, adults over 65, and young children should all be vaccinated against the flu. If you’re not sure whether you’re in a high-risk category, ask your doctor if you should get the flu vaccine.