Aussie flu is on its way to the UK, with the NHS braced for a worse outbreak this winter than in previous years.
Well known flu symptoms include a chesty cough, sore throat, sneezing and tiredness, but a common sign of arthritis may also indicate you have caught the potentially-dangerous condition.
Joint pain usually points to osteoarthritis – a common type of arthritis that is caused by the inflammation, breakdown and loss of cartilage in the joints.
However, joint aches can be severe for flu sufferers.
This is because when your body is trying to tackle a virus it diverts white blood cells to fight it off.
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Consequently, muscles and joints can be left more inflamed and feeling more sore than usual.
Knowing the symptoms to look out for is particularly important this year.
Australia has experienced 98,000 confirmed cases this year – double the number from last year – and twice as many people have been hospitalised.
The NHS have born warned to be prepared for increase pressures over the next few months.
There hasn’t been a flu pandemic in the UK for over advice, with the last serious outbreak being in 2009.
According to Harvard Medical School, other lesser known flu symptoms include burning eyes and headaches.
Additionally, unlike a common cold, the flu produces a hacking, dry cough.
In most cases symptoms will settle down within five days.
However, for others there can be deadly complications such as pneumonia, and it can trigger other issues including asthma attacks, ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis.
There are three key groups at most risk – children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is by having a flu jab, which is free on the NHS for those at risk.
Harvard Medical School also recommend washing your hands thoroughly and avoiding people who have flu.