How long does the flu last? Timeline and recovery

Symptoms of the flu generally appear within a few days of infection. They usually peak between days 2 and 4, and most people feel better after 5–7 days. However, symptoms can last longer in some cases, and a cough may persist for several weeks.

The flu can leave a person unable to work, perform household duties, or tend to children for several days. Some people develop severe symptoms and may need hospital care.

In this article, we discuss how long the flu usually lasts, a timeline of the common symptoms, and when to see a doctor for treatment.

For people who do not develop serious flu complications, symptoms usually last 3–7 days. Some people find that their symptoms get better and then worse again or that they are worse at certain times of the day, such as in the morning.

Although fever and the most severe symptoms typically resolve within a week, some people have low energy for up to 2 weeks, and it is possible to experience a cough for up to 8 weeks.

The flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu but does not eliminate it. However, people who still get the flu after receiving a shot tend to have less severe symptoms that last for a shorter period.

Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can also shorten the length of the flu and lower the risk of serious complications.

Infants and very young children, older adults, and people with respiratory diseases may have symptoms that last longer. These individuals are also more vulnerable to serious flu complications, such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 200,000 people in the United States need to go to the hospital each year as a result of the flu.

Flu complications are unlikely to resolve on their own, and they can be a medical emergency. They may require a person to stay in the hospital. It can be weeks or even months before a person recovers from serious flu complications.

For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.

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Unlike the cold and other viruses, which present gradually, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Within a few hours, a person may transition from feeling fine to having a fever and other symptoms.

A high fever occurs more commonly with the flu than with a cold, and it often appears before other symptoms.

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• high fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• a headache
• weakness and extreme exhaustion
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• vomiting
• congestion

The symptoms tend to peak between days 2 and 4. By day 5, some people begin to feel better. A few feel well enough to return to work or school.

However, it is important to stay at home for 24 hours after a fever breaks. If the fever only goes away with anti-fever medication, remain at home.

By day 7, most people feel significantly better, although some are still sick. It is not unusual for the flu to last longer than a week, so slow healing is not necessarily a bad sign. However, if the symptoms continue to get worse after a week, it may be best to see a doctor.

The best and most effective treatment for the flu is an antiviral flu drug. Taking this drug within 2 days of getting sick may shorten the duration of the flu and help a person avoid complications.

Before taking any anti-flu medication, a person can weigh up the risks and benefits with a doctor. It is important to tell the doctor about any previous health problems or drug reactions because some people experience side effects when they take anti-flu drugs.

Antibiotics cannot treat the flu. The flu is a virus, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

However, some people develop secondary infections because of the flu. Children are especially vulnerable to ear infections, but adults can get them too. If symptoms suddenly change or get worse, this could mean that there is a new infection, which could be viral or bacterial.

The following strategies can help speed up the healing process:

• Resting and staying in bed.
• Avoiding going to work, school, or anywhere else, as this can spread the flu.
• Drinking plenty of fluids. If fever or vomiting occurs, try drinking an electrolyte drink to prevent dehydration.
• Using over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Washing the hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection to other members of the household.

People should try to see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms appear, as this is when antiviral treatments are most effective.

It is also important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days or new symptoms, such as ear pain, appear.

People should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• breathing becomes difficult or labored
• muscle pain is unbearable or severe enough to prevent walking
• a child develops a fever above 104°F
• when breathing, a child or infant makes loud sounds or pulls in the muscles around their ribs
• a person has seizures, loses consciousness, seems confused, or is unable to communicate effectively
• a baby under the age of 12 weeks develops a fever
• symptoms of chronic medical conditions get worse
• there is intense dizziness that does not go away after a few hours
• a person stops urinating or urinates very rarely
• symptoms get better but then return later and are worse

Most people who get the flu will have symptoms that last between 3 and 7 days. If they develop complications, they may be ill for longer.

Thousands of people die from the flu every year. Children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems are much more vulnerable to flu complications. People should take the flu seriously by resting and avoiding public places until their symptoms disappear.

With rest and medical care, it is possible to recover even from serious complications. Anyone with severe flu symptoms should see a doctor. To reduce the risk of getting the flu again, a person can get the flu shot every year.

Stay Home, Hydrate, Sleep and More

The best way to get over the flu fast is to rest and stay hydrated. But, there are a few additional things you can try to help yourself feel better. If you’re at risk of flu complications, you might also want to check in with your doctor.

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Flu symptoms typically last about a week, but the most severe symptoms only occur for two to three days (though it might feel like an eternity). You might continue to experience fatigue, weakness, and a cough for another week after you recover.

Coming down with the flu can be downright miserable. Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.

Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner.

You may be tempted to go grocery shopping or get ahead on laundry for the week, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice. Stay home from work or school, and put errands on hold until you start to feel better.

On top of helping you recover, staying home also prevents spreading the flu to other people in your community or workplace. The flu can be dangerous for older adults and small children, so it’s vital that you avoid contact with others while you’re contagious.

One symptom of the flu is a high fever, which can lead to sweating. You might also be dealing with bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Your body needs plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids, and even more to fight off the infection.

Water is best, but you can also drink herbal teas or tea with honey. These can have a soothing effect on your symptoms while keeping you hydrated. Two things you should always avoid, though, are alcohol and caffeine.

Sleep is the best medicine for your body while fighting the flu. Watching TV curled up on the couch isn’t a bad idea, but you shouldn’t be binge-watching your favorite Netflix show all night long.

Go to bed earlier than usual and sleep in. You can also take a nap during the day to give your body more time to recover.

Rest and sleep also reduces your risk of serious flu complications, like pneumonia.

It can be difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and cough. Try these tips to breathe easier and have a better night’s sleep:

• Use an extra pillow
  to prop up your head and ease sinus pressure.
• Sleep with a
  humidifier or vaporizer in the room.
• Take a hot
  bath or shower before bed.

You may be tempted to drown your sorrow in a bowl of ice cream and a bag of potato chips, but your body needs better nutrition to recover from the flu.

Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system as it fights off the virus.

You might not have much of an appetite, but it’s still important to eat regular meals to maintain your strength.

Dry air can make your symptoms worse. A vaporizer or humidifier adds moisture to the air and can help loosen up congestion.

There are many types of humidifiers and vaporizers available on the market. Examples include cool-mist humidifiers and steam vaporizers. These can be found easily for a reasonable price at your local big-box store, pharmacy, or online.

The cold and flu aisle of your local drug store is most likely packed with hundreds of different options. Some medications are used to deal with specific symptoms, like nasal congestion, while others treat many flu symptoms at once.

• Pain relievers help reduce a
  fever, headache, and body aches. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil,
  Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Decongestants, like
  pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), help open your nasal passages and relieve
  pressure in your sinuses.
• Cough suppressants, such as
  dextromethorphan (Robitussin), can be used to soothe a dry cough.
• Expectorants helps loosen
  thick mucus and are useful for a cough that is wet and produces mucus.
• Antihistamines tend to have sedative
  effects that may help you sleep.

Be sure to read the product’s label to learn the correct dose for each type of medication and to make sure you’re not accidentally combining medications. Medications like DayQuil are both a pain reliever and a fever reducer, so you shouldn’t be taking another medication on top of that.

Children and teens should never take aspirin for the flu due to the risk of a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Elderberry has been used for hundreds of years in the treatment of colds and the flu.

In one placebo-controlled study, people with the flu who consumed elderberry lozenges four times a day experienced a reduction in fever, headache, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and cough after 48 hours.

In another study, 60 people with flu-like symptoms who ingested 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day experienced improvement in their symptoms four days earlier than people who took a placebo.

A larger study in 312 air travelers found that 300 milligram capsules of elderberry extract taken three times per day reduced cold and flu symptoms and duration in those who ended up getting sick after their travels compared to a placebo group.

Elderberry capsules, lozenges, and syrups are available in stores or online. You shouldn’t eat raw elderberries, as they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Remember, elderberry is a complementary therapy, so make sure you’re also treating the flu with OTC or prescription medication.

Honey is a fairly common natural remedy for soothing a sore throat or cough. Mixing honey with tea is a great way to stay hydrated while also treating your flu symptoms.

In one study, researchers found that a dose of honey was more effective at controlling a nighttime cough than common cough suppressants in children ages two to 18 years with upper respiratory tract infections.

One thing to note, though, is that you shouldn’t give honey to children who are younger than a year old.

Antiviral drugs are only available by prescription, so you must see a doctor first. These medications are typically reserved for people who are at high risk of developing complications from the flu.

These drugs prevent the virus from growing and replicating. They work best if you take them within 48 hours of having symptoms.

You may want to ask a doctor for a prescription antiviral if you:

• are under age 5 (age 2, in particular)
• are 18 or under and taking aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications
• are at least 65
• are pregnant or have given birth in the last two weeks
• have a chronic
  medical condition or you’re taking other medications that weaken your
  immune system
• live in a
  nursing home or long-term care facility
• are Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native)
• are extremely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40

The antiviral medication most commonly prescribed is oseltamivir (Tamiflu). In October 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), a new antiviral for people ages 12 and older.

Taking antiviral medications within two days of the onset of symptoms may reduce both the duration of the flu by about one day and the severity of symptoms.

The annual flu vaccine is produced based on scientists’ predictions of which flu strain will dominate the next flu season. Sometimes, though, they get it wrong. Getting a flu shot after you’ve already had the flu can protect you from other strains of the virus.

You might think it’s too late or that you can’t get the flu again in one season, but it’s still a possibility. So, it’s a good idea to protect yourself by getting vaccinated.

We often forget how much our emotions and attitudes affect how we feel physically. While you may not be able to unclog your stuffy nose or lower your fever with positive thoughts, maintaining a positive attitude during your illness may help in your overall recovery.

The best thing you can do to recover from the flu is allow yourself to sleep, rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you catch your flu symptoms early, and you’re at risk of serious complications, you can try an antiviral medication to help reduce the duration of your symptoms.

Most flu symptoms resolve within one to two weeks. If your flu symptoms start to get better and then get rapidly worse, or don’t subside after two weeks, contact your doctor.

Watch out for the flu! – Clinic “Family Doctor”.

Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. The influenza virus circulates throughout the world and can affect anyone at any age. Annual seasonal epidemics occur in the winter period. Influenza is a serious threat to human life and health, as it can lead to serious complications, even death.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. But what to do if you failed to get vaccinated on time, you were left alone with this insidious virus and fell ill?

You can suspect that you have the flu by the following symptoms: sudden onset of a high temperature (39-40 ° C), cough (usually dry), severe headache, severe muscle and joint pain, severe malaise, sore throat and runny nose.

Antiviral drugs are available to treat influenza, but influenza viruses can develop drug resistance. It is very important to remember that antibiotics do not kill viruses, and their appointment in the early days of the disease is not justified, since antibiotics kill a bacterial infection and do not act on a viral one. Moreover, if prescribed unreasonably, they can cause side effects. The doctor may prescribe an additional antibacterial drug for you on the 3rd-5th day of a viral infection, when a bacterial infection joins the viral infection.

In order to avoid complications, it is very important to start the correct treatment of influenza in time. Remember that the doctor must prescribe the treatment! Self-treatment, without the supervision of a doctor, can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous to your health.

Considering the severe course of the disease, the frequent development of complications and the risk of infecting others, if you feel flu symptoms, call a doctor at home! The doctor in a calm, homely atmosphere will examine you, prescribe the necessary examination and reasonable drug therapy.

The recovery period for influenza lasts 1-2 weeks. Many convalescents experience asthenia, which lasts from a few days to 2-3 weeks and is manifested by fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance and sweating. Subfebrile body temperature up to 37.0-37.2 ° C and weakness may persist. All of these symptoms usually resolve on their own within 1 month.

Publications of our doctors on FLU and SARS

• Protecting ourselves from influenza and SARS
• Acute respiratory diseases
• Treatment of SARS and influenza
• Treatment and prevention of influenza in children
• Influenza shot
• Measures to prevent influenza and SARS

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Differences between SARS, influenza and coronavirus: symptoms and signs

The situation with SARS and influenza in Russia is getting worse every day. In the second week of December, the number of cases increased by a third, Rospotrebnadzor said. More than half of the cases were due to the new swine flu A (h2N1), which was detected in 82 regions, but other viruses are also recorded. “Izvestia” found out the symptoms of SARS and influenza in adults and ineffective methods of treatment.

Influenza and SARS – what is the difference

SARS is the general name for any respiratory viral infection, and influenza is one of the representatives of this group of viruses. Influenza and SARS are the most common infectious diseases in the world: at least 200 viruses are known to cause SARS. The most common are rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses and respiratory syncytial viruses. All of them are highly contagious and are most often transmitted by airborne droplets. The contact path is also possible: through handshakes, kisses, household items, bedding and children’s toys. If the majority of acute respiratory viral infections are relatively mild, then the flu can lead to extremely dangerous complications, the Moszdrav explains.

Influenza is transmitted very quickly, within a few hours. Signs of influenza:

• The rapid development of the disease.
• High temperature, above 39 degrees, lasts for several days and hardly breaks down.
• Body aches, headaches.
• Frequent dry cough from the second or third day of illness.
• Influenza lasts at least 7-10 days, after which you feel sick for another 2-3 weeks.

Photo: RIA Novosti / Alexander Kondratyuk

The absence of a high temperature in the presence of other flu symptoms may indicate that a person has contracted the coronavirus. To clarify the diagnosis and understand whether it is the flu or the coronavirus, a PCR test will help. This is important because the treatments for infections vary widely. The RPN also explained how to understand if a person has contracted the flu and the coronavirus at the same time.

In ARVI, the disease proceeds a little differently. Signs of SARS:

• Body temperature rises to no more than 39degrees and after 2-3 days returns to normal.
• There is a general weakness of the body, but without severe pain in the muscles and joints, as with influenza.
• ARVI does not last more than a week, after recovery the patient feels well.

ARVI and influenza after the coronavirus, as well as COVID-19 after them, can be more severe due to a decrease in the body’s immune defenses, added Elena Zyablova, deputy chief physician of the Budu online health management service.

SARS, influenza and coronavirus – who is at risk

As Vladimir Chulanov, chief freelance specialist of the Russian Ministry of Health for infectious diseases, specified, children under five years old, adolescents from 15 years old and older people are at risk for the incidence of influenza and SARS 65 years old, as well as pregnant women, employees of medical institutions and citizens with chronic diseases.

Photo: TASS/Vadim Skryabin

The highest dynamics of ARVI and influenza incidence is recorded in the Tyumen Region, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Astrakhan Region, the Komi Republic, the Kostroma and Vologda Regions.

When to get the flu shot

Scientists have long proven that the most effective way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated early. The protective effect occurs two weeks after vaccination, and the resulting immunity lasts for a year. Those vaccinated against the flu practically do not get sick or get sick in a mild form. Officially, this year the flu vaccination campaign has already been completed, Rospotrebnadzor said. According to the head of the department, now it is too late to get vaccinated.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated the need to continue vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 in Russia. He stressed that he had been vaccinated against the flu the day before. “We have a long winter, and the beginning of spring is also often cold. Immunization and vaccination must be continued, people must be protected from all these diseases,” the president said.

How not to get sick with SARS and influenza

• At the height of the disease season, limit attendance at public events.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Wear masks in public places, transport and shopping centers.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Ventilate the room frequently.
• Wet clean rooms with disinfectants.
• Take vitamin complexes and eat more vegetables and fruits.
• Walk more outdoors, lead a healthy lifestyle and get enough sleep.

It is easier for the immune system of a healthy person to fight the virus. If the body is weakened, tired, poisoned by harmful substances, including tobacco and alcohol, resistance is almost impossible. WHO recommendations – at the first sign of illness, take two relatively new drugs – Tamiflu or Relenza.