Smoker’s flu refers to the physical effects of detoxing fromnicotineand thechemicals in cigarettes and tobacco products.
These symptoms can mimic those of an illness.
Most former smokers are familiar with these common symptoms of withdrawal.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
While unpleasant, it’s normal to experience such symptoms when you are quitting smoking.
Such cravings often make it more difficult to quit.
Increased coughing is a common problem for people when they first quit smoking.
This can make it difficult to know whether you’re sick or experiencing withdrawal.
One tell-tale sign that your symptoms are triggered by something more than smoker’s flu is a fever.
Fevers are not a sign of nicotine withdrawal.
The following questions can help you figure out why you aren’t feeling well.
Are You Using a Quit Smoking Aid?
Quit-smoking aids can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Nearly allquit aidslower nicotine cravings to some extent.
When Did the Symptoms Start?
Think about when you first started feeling bad.
If the timing coincides with when you quit smoking, chances are you’re dealing with nicotine withdrawal.
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that affectsneurotransmittersin the brain.
These neurotransmitters play a role in different functions including memory, mood, appetite, and feelings of pleasure.
Can Quitting Vaping Make You Feel Sick?
Withdrawing from any pop in of nicotine product may lead to feeling sick.
The duration and intensity of these symptoms can affect how successful you are at quitting.
OTC remedies for upset stomach, runny nose, sore throat, and trouble sleeping might also be helpful.
They can help you gradually reduce your nicotine intake more comfortably without severe withdrawal symptoms.
NRT products available includenicotine patches, chewing gum, inhalers, lozenges, and nasal spray.
How long does smoker’s flu last?
Unfortunately, symptoms of quitter’s flu are sometimes unpleasant enough that people return to smoking.
The following tips will help you feel better as you go through the process of quitting.
Jolt yourself out of a negative mindset or obsessive craving byquickly changing your activityfor a few minutes.
Once you get the green light from a doctor, start slow.
A short walk around the block can be enough to subdue withdrawal symptoms.
Walking provides an instant reward, helping you feel better right away.
Some helpful approaches may include deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Think about how your body reacts to food under normal circumstances.
Foods that keep your body in balance will provide you with sustained energy as you detoxify from cigarettes.
That said, if you never indulge your food cravings, deprivation could make the urge to smoke stronger.
Instead, attempt to limit the less nutritious foods you eat by using the 80/20 rule.
Reserve 80% of your daily calories for nutritious food and the other 20% for occasional treats.
Can You Prevent Smoker’s Flu?
Tapering your nicotine intake gradually over time may help reduce the severity and intensity of your withdrawal symptoms.
This involves lowering your nicotine intake over time by using nicotine replacement therapy.
However, NRP products such as nicotine patches can sometimes cause flu-like symptoms as well.
Talk to your doctor about which smoking cessation options might be the most helpful for you.
It is sparked by nicotine withdrawal and gradually lessens as your body adjusts to having no nicotine.
Takeaways
For most people who smoke, quitting tobacco produces one or several symptoms of withdrawal.
Changing old habits is tough, especially if you’ve been smoking multiple times a day for years.
Quitting nicotine can feel overwhelming.
It may seem like your mind is trying to convince you to go back to smoking.
However, nicotine withdrawal is temporary.
Reminding yourself that better days are coming soon can make unpleasant withdrawal symptoms easier to bear.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.7 common withdrawal symptoms.
Prasetyo A, Sadhana U, Budiman J.Nasal mucociliary clearance in smokers: a systematic review.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol.
2021;25(1):e160-9.
2020;18(July).
2021;23(1):e28303.
2019;14(4):e0214252.
2014;2(2):e23.
2017;10(1):442. doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2762-y
American Cancer Society.Quitting smoking: Help for cravings and tough situations.
