Yes, it is possible to get flu without fever.
- Flu or influenza is a viral disease with predominant symptoms, such as runny nose, cough, chills, general malaise, headache, sore throat, and body ache.
- Other symptoms are shortness of breath and loss of taste sensation.
However, every flu symptom may not be seen in every individual.
Fever (oral temperature of 100°F or higher) is a defense mechanism launched by the body to halt the progression of the virus or the bacteria; however, every person has a specific reaction to the pathogen.
Some may develop all symptoms except fever, while others may feel feverish though the thermometer may not show fever. Additionally, some individuals may take over-the-counter medications for sore throat and runny nose, which may contain some amount of acetaminophen, so they may not develop a fever at all.
Are my symptoms flu or COVID-19?
It is impossible to clinically distinguish COVID-19 infection from seasonal flu. Therefore, if you have symptoms or a contact history, it is better to get tested for COVID-19.
- You may choose to get tested at home (for both seasonal flu and COVID-19) with help of home testing kits that give quick results when you test your nasal swab.
- Alternatively, you may visit your healthcare provider and ask for a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test (gold standard to diagnose COVID-19 and flu).
While the virus that causes COVID-19 and the flu viruses are thought to spread in similar ways (droplet infection by coughing and touching contaminated surfaces), the COVID-19 virus is more contagious compared to flu viruses and can evade the existing immunity much faster.
As of present, the COVID-19 virus seems to cause more serious illnesses in some people, such as:
- The elderly
- Those with heart diseases and diabetes
- Those with diseases that compromise immunity (such as patients who are human immunodeficiency virus-positive)
- Those on immunosuppressive medications
The delta variant of COVID-19 illness has been known to cause severe respiratory illness and increased mortality even in young, healthy individuals.
Additionally, the COVID-19 infection can cause serious complications that include blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs, or brain, as well as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and adults (MIS-A). These are COVID-19-specific complications not observed in flu.
Long COVID-19 is an umbrella term for a range of symptoms that can last weeks or months after first being infected specifically with the COVID-19 virus.
- Long COVID-19 can happen even if your illness was mild or if you had an asymptomatic infection.
- It is characterized by nonspecific symptoms, such as anxiety, palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, brain fog (disorientation and memory issues), rashes, fatigue, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and so on.
Is flu vaccine necessary?
In the present scenario, it is essential to take the flu and COVID-19 vaccines (with booster) as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Everyone aged six months and older should get influenza (flu) vaccine every season unless there have specific conditions that make it dangerous for them to receive vaccines.
Though influenza (flu) is not as serious as COVID-19 in most people, it can be potentially serious in the elderly, kids, and those with a weak immune system.
- Complications of flu include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
- An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza-related complications.
Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and flu-related death in children and the elderly.
All flu vaccines in the United States are “quadrivalent” vaccines, which means they protect against four different flu viruses: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses.
You can take the vaccine listed in the table that is best suited for you after discussing it with your doctor.
| Vaccine type | Vaccine brand name | Route of administration | Indications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quadrivalent cell-based influenza shot | Flucelvax quadrivalent | Injectable | 6 months and older |
| Recombinant quadrivalent influenza shot | Flublok quadrivalent | Injectable | 18 years and older |
| Quadrivalent flu shot using an adjuvant | Fluad quadrivalent | Injectable | 65 years and older (elicit a stronger immune response) |
| Quadrivalent high-dose influenza vaccine | Fluzone high-dose | Injectable | 65 years and older (contain a higher dose of antigen for better immune response) |
| Live attenuated influenza vaccine | FluMist quadrivalent | Injectable | 2 to 49 years (contraindicated for pregnant and immunocompromised persons) |
The following individuals should not take the flu vaccines:
- Severe reaction to a previous flu shot
- History of Guillain–Barre syndrome with any previous vaccination
- History of egg allergy (only some type of flu vaccine contraindicated)
The intranasal flu vaccine is not recommended in the following populations:
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised individuals (human immunodeficiency virus-positive, immunosuppressant medications, cancer patients)
- Those with cochlear implants
- 50 years and older
- Those who have cerebrospinal fluid leaks due to head surgery, trauma, or preexisting condition
- Severe allergy to any component of the vaccine
- 2 to 17 years old individuals on aspirin and other medications containing salicylates
- Those who have recently taken antiviral drugs
QUESTION
Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See AnswerCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm
Top Can You Have the Flu Without a Fever Related Articles
Fever
Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C), in practice, a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal; rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease-producing organisms.
Cold, Fever and Flu Symptoms in Children: Medications and Home Remedies
How long does a cold last? How long is a cold contagious? Colds and fevers are some of the most common ailments in children. Learn common cold symptoms, treatment options, over the counter (OTC) medicines for cold and fever, home remedies, and how to relieve a sore throat.
Cold & Flu Quiz
Aches? Pain? Fever? This Cold & Flu Quiz tests your knowledge on the difference between coming down with the common cold and sickness from influenza virus.
Cold and Flu: Finding Fast Cough Relief
Remedies for coughing to relieve symptoms, thin mucus, and clear phlegm include cough syrup and honey in hot water. Use suppressants to treat a dry cough. See a doctor when home remedies are not enough. Bronchitis or another condition may be to blame.
Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
Before treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
Flu Vaccine (Flu Shot)
Every year in the United States, on average, 5%-20% of the population gets the flu, more than 500,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 34,000 people die from flu. The flu is highly infectious and is a serious viral respiratory infection. Flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning that it contains killed influenza virus. Anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of getting the flu can be vaccinated, however the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who are at risk for serious complications from the flu be vaccinated each year.
Foods for the Flu
The best foods to eat when you have the flu soothe symptoms and help you feel better faster. Good foods to eat with the flu include popsicles, turkey, vegetable juice, chicken soup, garlic, ginger, hot tea, bananas, toast, meal replacement drinks, oranges, pumpkin seeds, and carrots.
Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)
Stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is a term referred used to describe a variety of gastrointestinal problems. The most common signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The most common cause of gastroenteritis in the United States is Norovirus. Other causes of gastroenteritis include Rotavirus, Astrovirus, Adenovirus, and Sapovirus. There are bacterial causes of gastroenteritis such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter Aeromonas, E. coli, Clostridium, Vibrio, Campylobacter, and Yersinia spp. Parasites that cause gastroenteritis include Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Entamoeba. Treatment for gastroenteritis is generally home remedies such as keeping hydrated to prevent dehydration. At times, hospitalization may be necessary if dehydration occurs.
How Do Doctors Test for Flu?
Your doctor may test for the flu using rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs), which can detect influenza viral antigens in respiratory specimens. Other tests include the immunofluorescence antibody test, viral culture and RT-PCR test.
How Do You Know if You Have the Stomach Flu?
What is stomach flu and how do you know when you have it? Learn what causes stomach flu and how it is treated.
How Long Is a Cold or Flu Contagious?
Viruses cause the common cold and the flu. Early symptoms and signs for a cold and the flu are similar, however, flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. Cold and flu viruses are transmitted typically via coughing or sneezing.
Flu (Influenza)
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
Influenza Virus Picture
The flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract which are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. See a picture of Influenza Virus and learn more about the health topic.
Is the Stomach Flu Contagious?
The stomach flu or gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Learn about how it is spread and how you can prevent infection.
How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.
Cold and Flu: What Doctors Do to Boost Their Immune Systems
How can you make your immune system stronger? Why not try what the pros try?