The weather is cooling down, and that means flu season is right around the corner. The virus can put you out of commission for several days, so familiarizing yourself with the symptoms and taking fast action is crucial to getting better as soon as possible. That’s why the doctors at Chewelah Associated Physicians PS in Stevens County, WA, say you should look out for the following early warning signs.

3 Early Flu Symptoms Your Doctor Wants You to Know About

1. Fatigue

Sudden fatigue is a common early symptom. While many people feel a little more tired in general during flu season due to shorter days and colder weather, excessive fatigue is a sign of illness. If you find it extremely difficult to stay awake or your body, in general, feels weaker, there’s a good chance you’re feeling more than simple tiredness.

2. Body Aches

You’ve likely experienced muscle soreness after an intense workout. The flu has a similar effect, and the aches may also be accompanied by chills. Although flu-related aches can strike any part of the body, they’re particularly common in the legs, back, and head.

3. Coughing & Sore Throat

A cough that doesn’t go away — especially if it’s accompanied by a sore throat — is a common early sign of the flu. Even if you don’t have the flu, the odds are good you have some sort of illness that needs to be addressed if you have either of these symptoms.

When you suspect you have the flu, contact Chewelah Associated Physicians PS. Their doctors offer family health care services to patients in and around Stevens County, WA, and they’ll make sure you get all the care and information you need. Call (509) 935-8711 to schedule an appointment.