Which set of symptoms are typical for influenza?

• A. Rash
• B. Cough without fever
• C. Fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, near syncope
• D. Sneezing only

Answer: (C)

Influenza typically causes an abrupt onset of illness with systemic features plus respiratory symptoms. The combination of fever and chills with cough and muscle aches reflects the body's inflammatory response to the virus, along with the airway irritation that produces coughing. Near syncope can occur in the setting of fever, dehydration, or significant malaise, which fits the severity often seen with flu.

Rash is not a hallmark of influenza and points to other illnesses; sneezing alone suggests an allergic reaction or a milder upper respiratory infection without the systemic illness; cough without fever lacks the characteristic fever and aches that help distinguish influenza from a simple cold or bronchitis.