The flu is one of the most common conditions to cause a dry cough and fever, as well as muscle aches, weakness, congestion or a runny nose, and a sore throat.
A dry cough and fever often happen together, and can be caused by the flu most of the time. Most of the conditions associated with these symptoms can be treated with medication and home rest, but they can also be a sign of serious illnesses that require immediate medical treatment. Most people with this illness get muscle pains and headaches and tire easily until they get better.
Flu Symptoms
The most common symptoms of the flu are:
- fever (over 100 F)
- chills
- fatigue
- body and muscle aches
- loss of appetite
- headache
- dry cough
- sore throat
- stuffy nose
- weakess
Treatment:
Colds can generally be treated at home by drinking lots of fluids to thin and loosen up phleg, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to lower any fever and treat muscle pain or headaches, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications.
The elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems should always seek medical treatment for the flu, as should people with severe headaches, symptoms that become worse after a few days, and those with very high or recurring fevers.
18