Woke up this morning with a very bad sore throat & chills, could this be the start of the flu??

I have been exposed to a couple of people who were getting over the flu, but took extra precaution while around them. This morning i woke up with a very bad sore throat which was also very painful when i swallowed & also have chills. For a couple of days it has seemed like i have had a lump in my throat which i couldnt cough up or swallow. I havent had any drainage or cough yet though. I dont wanna go straight to the dr if its just a cold or something. Does anyone know what this may be? or has anyone had these symptoms & end up with the flu? Thanks!