Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson has highlighted lesser-known flu symptoms, including loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, sore eyes, eye pain and light sensitivity.
Flu, also known as influenza, is a common viral infection that spreads from person to person. It can be caught at any time of year, but is more common in winter, as people spend more time indoors and around others. It is a highly infectious illness and is not the same as a common cold. Symptoms of flu tend to come quickly and can feel more severe.
Why loss of appetite happens
“When you’re unwell, your immune system kicks in and starts producing more white blood cells to help fight off a viral infection,” said Ms Nevinson. “This means your body redirects its energy and resources toward fighting off the viral infection. In some cases, this can result in everyday activities, like eating, to take a backseat.”
She advised that if someone experiences a loss of appetite, it is important to stay hydrated and have well balanced meals to ensure the body is still getting all the essential nutrients.
Other symptoms and nighttime effects
Other flu symptoms highlighted by the NHS include feeling tired or exhausted, a dry cough and a headache. Symptoms are similar for children, but they may also suffer from pain in their ears, sore eyes, swollen glands, and appear less active.
Ms Nevinson explained that a cough may feel like it is flaring up while asleep. “This is because when we lie down, gravity no longer helps to drain mucus from the sinuses and throat. Mucus can begin to pool at the back of the throat which can make a cough worse at night.”
She also noted that the immune system’s response to viral infections can trigger general inflammation of the body, which can be felt in and around the eyes, including feelings of soreness, redness and tenderness. Sinus congestion can cause pain around the eyes, and light sensitivity and watery eyes can result from irritation and inflammation of the eyes.
Current flu and Covid activity
The most recent national flu and Covid surveillance report from the UK Health Security Agency found influenza activity had increased and the virus was circulating at baseline levels. Covid activity had also increased and was circulating at low levels.
The NHS recommends rest and sleep to aid recovery, and paracetamol and ibuprofen if needed to lower temperature or treat aches and pains.
