Cough and Pain with Flu and Cold: What Is Considered Normal

Flu begins suddenly, within a few hours, and affects more than just the nose and throat. Cough, headache, and body aches are expected symptoms. The purpose of this article is to separate the typical course from warning signs, without falling into either panic or denial.

Cough with flu: why it appears and what it looks like

The influenza virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, as well as the bronchi and, less commonly, the lungs. Among the symptoms of flu is a dry cough that appears against a background of fever and general malaise. Flu typically has a rapid onset: symptoms appear on days 1–4 after infection. With a cold, cough develops gradually over 1–2 days and is usually limited to the nose and throat. Severe difficulty breathing and coughing up blood are emergency signs, and shortness of breath is a reason to see a doctor urgently.

Cough after flu: how long it lasts

Cough can last two weeks or more. In most people, flu symptoms resolve within a week without medical help, and the recovery period takes 7–15 days. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days, this is a reason to see a doctor. Possible complications include bronchitis and pneumonia.

Headache and eye pain with a cold and acute respiratory viral infection

Headache is a common symptom of flu and is less common with a cold. With flu, it usually occurs together with fever, fatigue, and aches. Children may also have ear pain, red or painful eyes, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Muscle, joint, back, and leg pain with flu

Muscle and joint pain is included in the list of flu symptoms along with fever, cough, and weakness. With a cold, body aches sometimes occur and are mild. Rare complications include inflammation of muscle tissue (myositis, rhabdomyolysis).

Chest and abdominal pain with flu and acute respiratory viral infection

Some people, more often children, have vomiting and diarrhea with flu. Colloquially this is called "stomach flu," although it is actually gastroenteritis. Sudden chest pain is classified as an emergency sign. The diagnosis of flu is confirmed by a laboratory test: a swab from the nose or posterior pharyngeal wall; rapid tests give a result in 15–20 minutes.

• Dry cough and body aches are typical symptoms of flu
• Cough may persist for two weeks or longer
• Headache is more common with flu than with a cold
• Vomiting and diarrhea can occur with flu, especially in children
• Worsening after 7 days of illness is a reason to visit a doctor

On its own it is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if sudden chest pain appears, marked difficulty breathing (the person is gasping and cannot speak), or coughing up blood begins.

When symptoms require seeing a doctor

See a doctor if the person is over 65 years old, is pregnant or has recently given birth, has a chronic condition (diabetes, heart, lung, liver, kidney, brain, or nerve diseases), or has a weakened immune system. Reasons include feeling very unwell, shortness of breath, and no improvement after 7 days. Separately — concern about symptoms in an infant or child. The doctor takes a history, assesses breathing, and, if necessary, orders a test for influenza virus.

This material is for reference: it helps to navigate symptoms but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer