STIs that may cause flu-like symptoms includegonorrhea,herpes, andsyphilis, among others.
STIs are transmitted through direct contact, usually sexual in nature.
There are many STIs, each of which causes unique symptoms.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
This article reviews flu-like symptoms and the STIs that can cause them.
It will also detail other STI symptoms and explain how to tell the difference between the flu and STIs.
Influenza A and influenza B are common types of influenza that share many of the same symptoms.
Primary flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion (runny nose).
Flu symptoms that are shared by STIs include:
Fever
Afeveris a common sign of illness.
STIs that may cause fever when youre first infected include:
Gonorrhea itself doesnt cause a fever.
Stages of Syphilis
Syphilis develops in stages.
The first stage involves sores only.
If untreated, it progresses to the second stage after between three and six weeks.
Thats when flu-like symptoms may occur.
It takes a lot of your bodys resources to fight off pathogens.
Its caused directly by viruses or bacteria, which can irritate the back of your throat (pharynx).
This generally causes a sore throat.
Almost any infectious illness can cause them to swell.
Thats about 68 million people, with millions of new cases added every year.
Each STI has its own set of other signs and symptoms.
Gonorrhea (Reproductive Organs/Urethra)
Gonorrhea is due to a bacterial infection.
It affects the female reproductive organs, urethra, rectum, and sometimes other areas of the body.
Oral sex can cause a throat infection.
Many people with gonorrhea, especially males, have no symptoms or have symptoms that are very mild.
These may include anal discharge, itching, bleeding, and soreness.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral liver disease that can be transmitted through sex.
Avaccineis available to help prevent hepatitis B.
Herpes
Herpes is an incurable (but treatable) STI brought on by a virus.
It comes in two forms: genital (simplex 2) andoral(simplex 1).
Sores in either location can spread the virus to the genitals through skin-to-skin contact.
Flu-like symptoms are often the first signs of herpes infection.
HIV/AIDS
Like herpes, HIV/AIDS is due to a virus that is incurable but treatable.
While AIDS can be fatal, many people now live well with HIV for decades withproper treatment.
Sometimes, an early infection doesnt cause any symptoms.
It may eventually progress to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), especially without treatment.
AIDS symptoms include:
Thanks to available treatment, most people with HIV infections never develop AIDS.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that progresses in stages.
Primary Stage
The primary (first) stage is typically a single, small sore that isnt painful.
It may be on or near the genitals, anus, lips, or mouth.
Nearby lymph nodes may swell at this point.
Secondary Stage
If its not treated, it may move into the secondary stage.
It often begins with a skin rash, usually on the hands and feet.
This rash isnt itchy and can be very faint.
This is called a latent stage.
It usually begins between 10 and 30 years after your initial infection.
The damage it causes can be fatal.
Neurosyphilis
At any time after infection, syphilis can spread to the brain and cause neurosyphilis.
Symptoms include:
Syphilis is curable with antibiotics.
Organ damage may not be reversible, though, so its best to get treated early.
These include gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV/AIDS, and syphilis.
Comparing full symptoms lists may help you determine whether you should probably be checked for STIs.
You should also get tested if you have or may have been exposed to an STI.
The CDC recommends annual or more frequent testing for people at risk of STIs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The difference between flu and COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to prevent STIs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a sexually transmitted infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gonorrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HIV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for STIs.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital herpes: Signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Syphilis.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Serrvices: HIV.gov.Symptoms of HIV.
