Cough
If it is flu season and you have been coughing for a while [3], you may have contracted the virus. Cough caused by the flu is typically dry and does not produce any phlegm, but it can be intense enough to cause some level of chest pain and wheezing.
In rare cases, cough caused by the flu leads to phlegm production. While this may a legitimate sign of the flu, you should view it with suspicion. There are many respiratory illnesses that can cause productive coughs and mimic the flu. Seeing a doctor is especially important if the phlegm produced is colored or has an unpleasant smell.
The flu is highly contagious, so you should always make sure you are not coughing in a way that puts others at risk. Cough into your elbow or cover your mouth with a clean handkerchief while coughing. Keep your hands clean at all times too. Use cough medications to alleviate this symptom.