Based on the patient’s signs and symptoms and season of presentation, the diagnosis is influenza. Influenza most commonly presents with sudden onset of fever, headache, myalgias, nonproductive cough, rhinitis, and/or sore throat (Ebell, 2005). Since flu-like symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory tract infections, an important factor to consider when giving a diagnosis of influenza is the season in which the patient presents, as influenza is more prevalent in fall and winter months (Ebell, 2005). Additionally, the patient is more susceptible to influenza since she has not received the influenza vaccine. A study conducted by Stein et. al (2005) found that clinician judgment based upon presenting signs and symptoms in the diagnosis
