What is the early symptoms of influenza A?
Written by the editorial staff writer at Hola. Medically Reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.

Contents

Experiencing these symptoms? Speak with a doctor within 15 minutes.
How does influenza start? Early flu symptoms
Influenza usually starts suddenly, with symptoms appearing within a few hours. The initial indications often consist of:- Fever or chills
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sore throat and cough (often dry)
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
Does influenza A come on suddenly?
Influenza A typically comes on suddenly after the incubation period and not immediately after exposure. Also, severity of symptoms can vary depending on indidual's health status and age. Early signs commonly include a high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and a dry cough. This sudden onset sets influenza apart from other respiratory illnesses like the common cold, which usually develops more slowly. The swift onset of symptoms is caused by the body's immune system reacting to the virus. After being infected, people might feel perfectly fine one moment and then suddenly become quite ill.How long does it take for influenza A to show up?
The onset of Influenza A usually occurs 1 to 4 days after coming into contact with the virus, with an average time of about 2 days for the virus to incubate. This indicates that individuals may not experience symptoms immediately after being infected, but they can suddenly start feeling unwell once the virus has replicated sufficiently in their bodies. It's crucial to understand that during this incubation period, infected individuals can still spread the virus, which contributes to its spread in communities. Early signs frequently involve a high fever, body pains, fatigue, and respiratory issues such as coughing and a sore throat.What should I do if I have early flu symptoms?
If you start experiencing early flu symptoms, here are some steps you can take:- Rest up: Ensure that your body is given the chance to recover by getting sufficient rest.
- Keep yourself hydrated: Drinking water, herbal teas, or broths can help alleviate symptoms.
- Over-the-counter medications: Consider taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and ease body aches.
- Be alert: Monitor your symptoms closely and note their severity. If they begin to escalate, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for guidance.
- Consult a doctor: In case you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, confusion, or symptoms that persist for more than a few days, or if you are in a high-risk group (such as young children, pregnant women, or people with chronic conditions) reach out to a doctor.
- Avoid spreading the virus: To prevent spreading the flu to others, stay at home and practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
When to consult a doctor?
If you have severe symptoms of the flu or if you are in high-risk groups, it is important to see a doctor. If you experience difficulty breathing, ongoing chest pain, or confusion, or if your symptoms get worse or don't improve after a few days, seek medical help. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir, can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. Additionally, if you have underlying health issues, if you are pregnant, or if you are over 65, it is recommended to consult a doctor early on. It's also a good idea to visit a healthcare professional if you have a high fever that doesn't go down with medication if you are severely dehydrated, or if you develop a secondary infection such as pneumonia.How can Hola Health help with early symptoms of flu?
If you're feeling those first signs of the flu, Hola Health can make it easier for you to get the care and support you need—all from the comfort of your home.- Medical certificates: Need to take time off work or school due to flu symptoms? You can get a medical certificate issued by a licensed doctor to support your absence. This streamlined process ensures that you have the documentation you need, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Telehealth consultations: Skip the waiting room and consult with an Australian doctor via telehealth. Whether it’s early flu symptoms or concerns about worsening conditions, a doctor can assess your symptoms and offer advice right from your phone or computer.
- Prescriptions: If you need antiviral medication or relief for flu symptoms, Hola Health’s telehealth service allows doctors to issue online prescriptions instantly. You’ll receive an eScript by email or SMS that you can use at any pharmacy.
- Specialist referrals: In case your flu symptoms escalate and require a specialist's care, Hola Health can provide a quick doctor’s referral after a telehealth consultation, ensuring you get the care you need promptly.
- After-Hours consultations: Feeling unwell outside regular clinic hours? Hola Health offers after-hours doctor appointments, so you can speak to a doctor anytime, even on weekends and public holidays.
- Medication delivery: To make things even easier, you can have your prescribed medication delivered to your door. Avoid the hassle of leaving home while sick—just order your meds online and focus on resting.
Need time off to recover? Get your medical certificate online within 15 minutes.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
call 000.
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