When the flu virus invades the body, the immune system responds by releasing chemicals that cause inflammation. This inflammatory response is the body’s way of fighting off the virus, but it also leads to the classic symptoms of the flu, including muscle and joint aches.
Inflammation can make the body feel achy and sore, as it affects the nerves in the muscles and joints. This is why many people with the flu feel like they’ve been hit by a truck. The good news is that the body’s inflammatory response is a sign that the immune system is working to fight off the virus. However, it’s also the reason why you feel so crummy when you have the flu.
Understanding the role of inflammation in causing flu symptoms can help explain why rest and taking care of yourself is so important when you’re sick. It’s also a reminder of the importance of getting a flu shot and practicing good hygiene to prevent the flu in the first place.