Can You Have the Flu Without a Fever

Not everyone who gets the influenza virus gets a fever. You may experience other symptoms, including headache, sore throat, and cough.
The influenza virus
Influenza, or “flu” for short, is an illness caused by the influenza virus. If you have ever had the flu, you know how miserable it can make you feel. The virus attacks your respiratory system and produces many uncomfortable symptoms, which last between one and several days.
The flu is not a serious health problem for most people, but if you are elderly, are very young, are pregnant, or have a compromised immune system, the virus can be deadly if not treated.

Common flu symptoms
Most people who contract the flu virus will experience several symptoms. These include:
• a fever
• aches and pains throughout the body
• headaches
• chills
• a sore throat
• an extreme feeling of fatigue
• a persistent and worsening cough
• a stuffy or runny nose

Not everyone with the flu has every symptom, and the seriousness of the symptoms varies by individual.
The flu and fever
A fever is a common symptom of the flu virus, but not everyone who gets the flu will have one. If you do experience a fever with the flu, it is typically high, over 100ºF (37.78ºC), and is partly responsible for why you feel so bad.
Treat a case of the flu seriously, even if you don’t have a fever. You are still contagious and your illness could progress and become a real concern, even if your temperature is not elevated.

A fever from other illnesses
There are many other causes of a fever besides the flu virus. Any type of infection, whether bacterial or viral, can cause you to run a fever. Even being sunburned or experiencing heat exhaustion can elevate your temperature. Some types of cancer, certain medications, vaccines, and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may also be accompanied by a fever.

Flu versus the common cold
If you have flu-like symptoms but no fever, you might suspect that you have a cold. It is not always easy to tell the difference, and even a cold can cause you to have a mild fever.
In general, all symptoms are worse when you have the flu. You are also more likely to have congestion, a runny nose, a cough, a sore throat, or sneezing with the flu. Exhaustion is also common with the flu. This tiredness is not nearly as extreme when you have a cold.

Treating the flu
Treatment for the flu is limited. If you visit your doctor quickly enough, they may be able to give you an antiviral medication that can shorten the duration of the infection. Otherwise, you must simply stay home so that you can rest and recover. It’s also important to stay home and rest so you avoid infecting others. Sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and stay away from others.