How does influenza progress through its various stages. What are the key symptoms to watch for at each stage of the flu. When are you most contagious with influenza. How long does a typical case of the flu last.

The Initial Stage: Recognizing Early Flu Symptoms

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, often begins with a sudden onset of symptoms. Understanding these early warning signs can help you take prompt action and seek appropriate care.

Rapid Symptom Development

One of the hallmarks of influenza is how quickly symptoms can develop. Unlike a common cold, which tends to come on gradually, flu symptoms often appear abruptly. Within a matter of hours, you may go from feeling perfectly fine to experiencing a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

• Fever (usually high, 100°F or higher)
• Chills and sweats
• Severe fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Muscle aches and body pains
• Dry cough

Is it possible to be contagious before symptoms appear? Yes, individuals with influenza can actually spread the virus 24-48 hours before they start feeling ill. This pre-symptomatic transmission makes flu prevention challenging and underscores the importance of good hygiene practices during flu season.

Distinguishing Flu from Other Illnesses

How can you tell if it’s really the flu and not just a bad cold? While there is some symptom overlap, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and come on more suddenly than those of a cold. Additionally, fever and body aches are more common and intense with the flu.

To definitively diagnose influenza, your healthcare provider may perform a rapid influenza diagnostic test. This can help guide treatment decisions, especially if you’re in a high-risk group or have severe symptoms.

The Peak Stage: Managing Severe Flu Symptoms

As the flu progresses, symptoms typically intensify before they start to improve. This peak stage can be particularly challenging and may last several days.

Common Symptoms During the Peak Stage

• Persistent high fever
• Worsening cough, possibly with chest discomfort
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (more common in children)

During this stage, it’s crucial to rest, stay hydrated, and manage symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate fever and pain, but always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new medications, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most people recover from the flu without complications, some cases can become severe. When should you contact a doctor or seek emergency care? Watch for these warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to arouse
• Seizures
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

These symptoms may indicate a more serious progression of the flu or potential complications that require immediate medical attention.

The Recovery Stage: Gradual Improvement and Lingering Effects

As your body fights off the influenza virus, symptoms will gradually begin to subside. However, the recovery process can vary from person to person.

Typical Recovery Timeline

How long does it take to recover from the flu? For most healthy individuals, flu symptoms last about 5-7 days. However, some people may experience lingering effects, particularly fatigue and weakness, for several weeks after the acute illness has passed.

During the recovery stage, you may notice:

• Fever subsiding
• Improvement in cough and respiratory symptoms
• Gradual return of appetite and energy
• Reduced muscle aches and body pains

Returning to Normal Activities

When is it safe to return to work or school after having the flu? Generally, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone down without the use of fever-reducing medications. However, you may still feel fatigued and should listen to your body, gradually resuming normal activities as you feel able.

It’s important to note that you may still be contagious for 5-7 days after becoming sick, even if you’re feeling better. Continue to practice good hygiene and take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Preventing Flu Transmission: Strategies for Limiting Spread

Understanding how influenza spreads is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies. The flu virus is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Key Prevention Measures

• Annual flu vaccination
• Frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Staying home when you’re ill to avoid spreading the virus

Can masks help prevent flu transmission? Yes, wearing a mask, particularly in crowded indoor settings during flu season, can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza.

Workplace and School Policies

Many organizations have implemented policies to help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses. These may include:

• Encouraging sick employees or students to stay home
• Providing hand sanitizer and tissues in common areas
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces
• Promoting flu vaccination through on-site clinics or education

By following these prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the flu.

Treatment Options: Managing Flu Symptoms Effectively

While there’s no cure for the flu, various treatment options can help alleviate symptoms and potentially shorten the duration of illness.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), can be prescribed to treat influenza. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

How effective are antiviral medications for treating the flu? When taken early, antivirals can reduce the duration of flu symptoms by about one day and may also reduce the risk of complications, especially in high-risk individuals.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Many over-the-counter medications can help manage flu symptoms:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain relief
• Decongestants to relieve nasal congestion
• Cough suppressants for persistent coughs
• Throat lozenges for sore throat

Always read labels carefully and follow dosage instructions. Avoid giving aspirin to children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

In addition to medication, several home remedies can help you feel more comfortable while recovering from the flu:

• Rest and sleep to allow your body to fight the infection
• Stay hydrated with water, clear broths, and electrolyte beverages
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and ease congestion
• Gargle with salt water to relieve sore throat
• Eat nutrient-rich foods when your appetite returns

Remember, while these remedies can provide relief, they don’t cure the flu. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

High-Risk Groups: Special Considerations for Flu Management

Certain individuals are at higher risk for developing serious complications from influenza. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for appropriate management and timely intervention.

Identifying High-Risk Individuals

Who is considered high-risk for flu complications? The following groups are generally considered to be at increased risk:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5, especially those under 2 years
• Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities

Preventive Strategies for High-Risk Groups

If you or a loved one falls into a high-risk category, taking extra precautions during flu season is essential:

• Get vaccinated early in the flu season
• Consider pneumococcal vaccination as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Practice strict hygiene and social distancing measures
• Seek medical attention promptly if flu symptoms develop

Healthcare providers may be more likely to prescribe antiviral medications for high-risk patients, even if they’ve been symptomatic for more than 48 hours.

Monitoring for Complications

High-risk individuals should be closely monitored for potential complications of influenza, which may include:

• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

If you’re in a high-risk group and develop flu symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance on appropriate management and monitoring.

Long-Term Impact: Understanding Potential Flu Complications

While most people recover fully from influenza within a week or two, in some cases, the flu can lead to more serious health issues that may have long-lasting effects.

Common Flu Complications

What are some potential complications that can arise from influenza? Some of the more frequent complications include:

• Pneumonia (bacterial or viral)
• Sinus and ear infections
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Myositis (inflammation of muscle tissues)
• Multi-organ failure (in severe cases)

These complications can occur even in otherwise healthy individuals but are more common in high-risk groups.

Long-Term Health Effects

Can the flu have lasting health impacts? In some cases, yes. While most people recover completely, severe cases of influenza can lead to:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Worsening of pre-existing chronic conditions
• Increased risk of cardiovascular events in the months following infection
• Potential neurological effects, including increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (though this link is still being studied)

These potential long-term effects underscore the importance of flu prevention and prompt treatment when symptoms occur.

Post-Flu Recovery

Even after the acute phase of the flu has passed, some individuals may experience a prolonged recovery period. This can involve:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Reduced lung function (especially if pneumonia occurred)
• Mood changes or depression

If you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms or difficulty returning to your normal health status after the flu, consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether you’re dealing with post-viral syndrome or if there might be other underlying health issues that need attention.

Understanding the potential long-term impacts of influenza reinforces the importance of prevention through vaccination and prompt treatment when infection occurs. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious complications and long-lasting health effects from the flu.

Is Your Ailment a Cold, the Flu or COVID-19? | Orlando

Welcome | Is Your Ailment a Cold, the Flu or COVID-19?

Is Your Ailment a Cold, the Flu or COVID-19?

Deborah German, MD
Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, UCF College of Medicine

You’re sick with coughing, sneezing and a fever. Do you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19? All three are contagious respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms. The only way to tell for certain that you have COVID-19 is through a diagnostic test, but here are some guidelines on symptoms of a cold, the flu and COVID-19:

• One of the hallmark symptoms of COVID-19 – and what sets it apart from other respiratory illnesses – is a loss of taste and smell. COVID-19 also can cause the most severe symptoms of the three conditions for some people, including shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fever and chills, cough, headache, fatigue and muscle or body aches.
• Upper respiratory symptoms – sneezing or a stuffy or runny nose – are most common in a cold. They may appear with the flu but are very uncommon with COVID-19. A cold also may cause watery eyes and post-nasal drip but most people with colds don’t get a fever. Colds also don’t usually cause the intense fatigue that come with the flu and COVID-19.
• The flu usually hits you fast. Symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, head and body aches, and vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) come on suddenly. By contrast, COVID-19 symptoms usually take longer to develop – two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
• A cold usually peaks in two or three days. The flu generally lasts five to seven days. COVID-19 can cause severe illness in some people, including those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The flu can also cause serious complications for high-risk individuals.

While there is currently no cure or vaccine for COVID-19 or the common cold, we have a flu vaccine that can protect you from the flu virus or reduce your symptoms if you do get sick. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to get a flu shot – and remember it takes two weeks after you get your vaccine for your body to produce protective antibodies. So get your vaccine now.

Physical distancing, hand washing and wearing a mask in public reduce the spread of all three of these viruses. In fact, some public health officials believe we may have fewer cases of the flu this year thanks to so many people following COVID-19 safety protocols.

If you feel sick, don’t diagnose yourself. Call your healthcare provider – don’t just show up to the clinic. Your provider can determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19 and what treatments you need.

COVID-19 health tips are brought to you by UCF’s Academic Health Sciences Center (AHSC), which includes the Colleges of Health Professions and Sciences (CHPS), Medicine, Nursing and Student Health Services.  

Post Tags

• cold comparison covid COVID-19 flu health tip what to do

What Are the Stages of the Flu?

Home » What Are the Stages of the Flu?

You cannot copy content of this website, your IP is being recorded

If you understand the flu cycle, you’ll know when you’re contagious or when others are contagious, and how to predict and prepare for the symptoms. Read on to learn more about the cycle and stages of the flu.

Table of Contents:

What are the first stages of the flu?
How do I know whether I have the flu?
When will I come out of the flu?

Everyone is affected by the flu differently. They might have different symptoms, different severities of symptoms, and longer periods of sickness. However, the flu does have a typical cycle, so you can expect to deal with it similarly to how everyone else does.

What are the first stages of the flu?

When you get the flu, you’re actually already contagious even before you start experiencing any symptoms. You’ll feel fine for even 48 hours, but then the flu symptoms start coming. Over the course of several hours, you’ll start feeling worse and worse with a headache, a sudden fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms are the most common initial ones.

During this initial stage, you may realize you’re sick, and you should speak with a doctor about it. Flu medication is most effective during this initial stage. Also, it’s important to bear in mind that flu- and cold-like symptoms could actually be symptoms of another condition like a more serious viral infection, and the flu and viral infections are very contagious. With this in mind, it’s best to stay home and seek telecare from a clinic like ours.

How do I know whether I have the flu?

During the middle stages of the flu, you’ll be experiencing some significant symptoms. Still, it’s easy to confuse these symptoms with those of another condition, so it’s important to get professional diagnosis. An immediate care doctor can provide a rapid flu test or another test if you need it, or prescribe an antiviral medication.

In the middle stages of the flu, your symptoms might make it difficult for you to get out of bed. Symptoms like congestion, coughing, and even gastrointestinal symptoms are common. Fever is too. You’re still contagious during this stage, so you should wash your hands regularly and self-isolate until at least 24 hours after your fever goes away. Plenty of rest and fluids will help you feel and get better.

When will I come out of the flu?

After about 4 days, you’ll probably start to feel better. Your fever should be lower and your body aches should have lessened. Your cough may be worse, but this can be a sign that you’re getting better. It’s still important to get rest and plenty of fluid intake, and to self-isolate. Remember, you’re still contagious until you’ve been free of a fever for 24 hours (without taking any fever-reducing medicine). At around day 6 or 7, you should be fever-free. Just wait 24 hours more before you stop self-isolating.

You may still be tired during this stage and still not at 100%. Take it easy to let your body get better. If you’re not feeling mostly better after the week of being symptomatic, then you’ll need to speak with a doctor again, but you should be feeling much better at this time and close to feeling your best again!

Our doctors here at Immediate Care of Oklahoma can help you if you believe you have the flu or any flu symptoms. Please call us if you have any symptoms, though. Over the phone or internet, we’ll be able to provide advice and even diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. Our clinic is available to you 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. Please see our Telecare page for more information or our Appointments page to book with us. We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you get better quickly!

Additional Services You May Need

▸ Urgent Care Services
▸ Illness + Injuries
▸ On Site Lab + X-Ray
▸ Helpful Health
▸ Motor Vehicle Accidents
▸ Drug Testing
▸ MRO
▸ UTI Treatment
▸ Employment Physicals
▸ Workers Comp
▸ Strep Throat Treatment
▸ Pregnancy Testing
▸ Blood Pressure Testing
▸ Urinalysis
▸ Mononucleosis Treatment
▸ Suture Removal
▸ Respiratory Syncytial Virus
▸ OccMed

Edmond

• 805 W Covell Rd. Edmond, OK 73003
• View Details

Norman (Healthplex)

• 3400 Tecumseh Rd Norman (HealthPlex), OK 73072
• View Details

Norman (24TH)

• 800 24th Ave NW Norman, OK 73069
• View Details

Tecumseh

• 502 N Broadway Tecumseh, Oklahoma 74873
• View Details

Yukon

• 10616 US Highway 66 Suite 100 Yukon, OK 73099
• View Details

West Moore

• 11808 S May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170 (South OKC)
• View Details

l-240 & Sooner Rd.

• 5700 SE 74th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73135
• View Details

Directions to Nearest Location

Immediate Care of Oklahoma

Directions To Nearest Immediate Care Location

*In case of a life threatening emergency, immediately call 911.
**For any medical procedures, patients may respond to treatment differently, each patients results may vary.
***Information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content contained on or available through this site is for general information purposes only.
****By using this website and sending us your information, you are giving us permission to contact you by electronic and non-electronic means. We also track the conversions and collect user data to improve marketing.
*****If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact us.

Acute respiratory viral infection

BACK TO ARTICLES

The term SARS covers a large number of diseases that are manifested by similar symptoms: runny nose, fever, sore throat, cough and headache.

Routes of infection

The route of transmission is airborne and a small amount of the pathogen in the air is needed for infection. The possibility of contracting a viral infection depends on several factors: one’s own immunity, the intensity of the epidemic situation, and the activity of preventive measures.

A person with influenza presents the greatest infectious danger in the first few days from the onset of the disease

Duration

The duration of the disease, as a rule, does not exceed a week. However, influenza can cause complications such as otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses.

The first 72 hours

Remains active in the external environment

After 1-5 days

Symptoms appear after contact with the diseased

7 – 10 days

People infected with influenza are dangerous for others

Risk group

Schoolchildren are the most active part of children and adolescents, and therefore they are very susceptible to infections. The largest concentration of children in one place is a school.

If an ARVI epidemic starts, then a significant part of the schoolchildren fall ill immediately, as the children are constantly in contact with each other. At the same time, the greatest accumulation of viruses is observed in the classroom and gym.

Sick children miss school, which significantly reduces their academic performance. Therefore, schoolchildren need to pay the main attention to the prevention of SARS.

Symptoms of SARS

The incubation period for influenza is usually from several hours to three days. The onset is predominantly acute, and the course can be mild, moderate, severe, with or without complications.

Flu symptoms

Symptoms are similar to those of other SARS. However, some differences should also be taken into account.

ARVI

Influenza

Onset of illness

ARVI: Gradually, smoothly

Influenza: Quick, acute

Body temperature

9000 2 SARS: up to 38 no longer than 3 days

Influenza: 38 and above up to 5 days

General condition

SARS: Satisfactory

Influenza: Poor
Chills, excessive sweating, headache

Cough

SARS: Appears on day 2-3 Accompanied pain, wet (with sputum)

Influenza: Appears immediately
Moderate, dry

Sore throat

SARS: One of the first signs of the disease Accompanied by reddening of the mucous membrane of the throat

Influenza: Appears on the 2nd day.
Accompanied by redness of the mucous membrane of the throat

Shortness of breath

SARS: No

Influenza: Not pronounced

Runny nose

SARS: Immediately apparent
Mild nasal congestion a

Influenza: Appears on day 3-4
Mild nasal congestion

Eye redness

SARS: Only in case of concomitant bacterial infection

Flu: One of the first signs

Nausea

SARS: N no

Influenza: Rarely

Deadline

SARS: up to 7 days

Influenza: 7-14 days

Prevention

Currently, measures have been developed to prevent influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. General prevention during periods of flu and cold epidemics includes the usual measures to prevent the spread of infections transmitted by airborne droplets.

Personal prevention consists in avoiding contact with patients, crowded places, as well as in the use of barrier means of protection against the entry of the virus into the body.

We are accustomed to such measures for the prevention of SARS in schoolchildren, such as airing classrooms, wet cleaning, taking vitamins, changing work and rest during the day. However, the effectiveness of such measures remains low.

Wearing a disposable medical mask in class is inconvenient, as it interferes with the teacher’s contact with the student.

The question arises, how to help the body put a “barrier” for viruses at the entrance to the upper respiratory tract?

Today there are more effective, safer and more convenient methods. Such as Nazaval Plus.

Prevention methods
traditional

Prevention methods
innovative

Prevention for every day

Public places

• Use Nazaval Plus to protect against viruses
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant
• Touch your eyes and nose less often. Do not touch handrails and railings
• Avoid contact with people who cough or sneeze
• Drink more fluids
• Sneeze only into the elbow and not into the palm

Nursing

• Use Nazaval Plus for virus protection
• Ventilate the room as often as possible
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after each contact
• Keep the premises clean

Influenza treatment

Influenza is treated primarily on an outpatient basis, with only patients with severe and complicated forms of the infection hospitalized.

For a period of high temperature, patients are recommended bed rest, plenty of fluids, a balanced, complete diet, and vitamins.

For the treatment of influenza and colds in pediatric practice, there are various groups of drugs and prophylactic agents. These are antiviral drugs, drugs that increase immunity, as well as a variety of homeopathic remedies.

In addition, vitamin C, calcium gluconate, rutin, antipyretics, antihistamines are prescribed.

Differences between cold and flu

The symptoms of the flu and the common cold for the average person are often similar. And so he self-medicates, believing that he will defeat the disease without the help of a doctor. This approach is fundamentally wrong. Influenza, which is not detected in time, if not properly treated, can lead to negative health consequences – from complications to death.

The first thing to do when you experience symptoms of the flu or a cold is to see a doctor. He will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Flu and cold symptoms

	SARS (acute respiratory viral infection)	Flu
General information	Respiratory tract infection caused by viruses (rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, reoviruses, etc. ) is popularly called the common cold. Examination and anamnesis are sufficient to determine the diagnosis.	An acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. A special case of SARS. To determine the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory study
The onset of the disease	Gradual. In adults, the symptoms of a cold begin to appear on the 2nd or 3rd day.	Influenza symptoms in adults appear sharply and acutely. The temperature rises quickly, a person may become ill in less than 3-4 hours
Body temperature	Stays at 38–38.5˚С for 2–3 days, then slowly decreases	It rises sharply to 39-40˚С, lasts at least 3 days

When to call an ambulance

If you find these symptoms of influenza in adults, then contact your doctor. Call for emergency medical attention in the following situations:

• body temperature exceeds 40˚С;
• fever persists for more than 3 days;
• there were severe chest pains when breathing, coughing;
• the patient lost consciousness;
• a person has convulsions;
• a rash appeared on the body in the form of small purple dots;
• vomiting and/or diarrhea does not stop;
• no improvement after 5-7 days of treatment for cold or flu, etc.

General approaches to the treatment of influenza and SARS

When the first symptoms of the flu or a cold are detected, many resort to self-medication.