Dizziness and Flu: Understanding the Connection

Dizziness is listed as a symptom of influenza by a number of medical authorities. Flu symptoms are often confused with symptoms of the common cold although flu is usually more severe. The dizziness may be associated with the flu symptoms of headache and ear pain.

Dizziness as a Flu Symptom

• The Web site kidshealth.org lists dizziness as a symptom of flu. They also include fever, chills, weakness, diarrhea, nausea and tiredness as symptoms.

Other Symptoms of Flu

• Other symptoms of flu include high fever, nasal problems and loss of appetite. The fever associated with flu is usually higher, over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, than fevers associated with the common cold.

Testing for Flu

• Doctors can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis if flu is suspected based on symptoms such as dizziness or fever. Testing is more accurate if performed during the first two to three days of the disease.

Flu Complications

• People over the age of 65 or with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are at greatest risk of complications of the flu.

The Flu and Children

• Flu can affect people of all ages with many of the same symptoms. Young people are more likely to have stomach symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea than adults. Dizziness is a possible symptom of flu sufferers of all ages.