Health conditions that cause flu-like symptoms, but are NOT flu!

Sore throat, runny nose, cough, fatigue and body ache are some of the tell-tale signs of the flu. But having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have the infection.

Many other illnesses can lead to flu-like symptoms, including the novel coronavirus, which has taken a toll on all our lives since 2020. Although the classic symptoms continue to be fever, cough and fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing have come to become more prevalent. This has in turn made it difficult for people to differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu.

However, this article will discuss the illnesses and infections (other than the flu itself) that can cause flu-like symptoms.

Also read: Coronavirus: Key characteristics of a COVID sore throat; and other top symptoms to note

Common cold is a viral illness that has existed long before COVID-19 posed a risk to our lives. Just like the flu, it can wear a person down, make them cough, sneeze, lead to sniffles and cause painful, sore throat. Usually the symptoms are comparatively milder than other infections, and occur gradually.

Also read: Indian cough syrup under scanner: Key points to know

Bronchitis is an illness that occurs when the bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs get inflamed or swollen. This then leads to a nagging cough with mucus, sore throat and lethargy. There are two types of bronchitis to watch out for: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. While the former is more common and the symptoms only last a few days, the latter is more severe and can be persistent or recurrent.

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV may also showcase symptoms that may confuse it with flu. It is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, from which most people recover in a matter of one or two weeks. However, this illness can take a serious turn when it comes to infants and older people. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing are some of the most common symptoms.

Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the membranes called meninges that protect the brain and spinal cord. The early signs of the illness can be mistaken for a flu. Some common symptoms include headache, fever, and fatigue. As per the CDC, not only can meningitis be caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, but it can also be triggered by injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections.

Pneumonia is far more concerning respiratory illness than a flu, but it may cause symptoms that initially seem like a less worrying condition. It occurs when an infection inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. This lung infection can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, fatigue, and trouble breathing.

The CDC defines HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) as a virus that attacks the body's immune system, which in turn can lead to flu-like symptoms that persist for about 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Some of the common symptoms include fever, chills, rashes, night sweats, or muscle aches. Currently, there is no effective cure for HIV and those who get infected with this virus have it for life. However, treatment involves reducing the amount of the virus in the body and helping stay healthy.