How Long Does The Flu Last? – Forbes Health

Table of Contents

• How to Know if You Have the Flu

• How Long Does the Flu Last?

• Treating the Flu

• How to Protect Yourself Against the Flu

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The colder months bring lower temperatures, shorter days and an increased risk of getting the flu. While usually not severe, the flu can be of higher concern for at-risk individuals. Luckily, there are things we can do to prevent the flu, treat this condition and stop its spread. Here’s what you need to know about the flu so you can enjoy a safe and healthy winter season.

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How to Know if You Have the Flu

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious viral infection.

A respiratory illness, mild to moderate cases of the flu can cause symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headaches and fatigue. Some people with the flu may also experience a fever, feverish chills, vomiting or diarrhea, but not everyone has these symptoms.

If left untreated, the flu can lead to further health concerns, like sinus infections and pneumonia, according to the CDC. Some of these complications, such as pneumonia, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) can lead to severe complications or, in rare cases, death.

Pregnant people, children younger than five, adults over 65 and those with pre-existing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease are most at-risk for more severe flu symptoms and complications.

Telling the Difference Between the Flu, a Cold and COVID-19

While the flu is serious, it can occasionally be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are so similar to other illnesses, such as the common cold and COVID-19.

While only a medical professional like your general practitioner can make a true diagnosis, people with the flu are more likely to experience symptoms such as fever, aches and chills than people with a cold. Sneezing and a runny nose are more common with the cold.

Telling the difference between COVID-19 and the flu can be trickier. In the case of COVID-19, symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer, and it’s known to spread more easily than the flu. The only way to tell which you have for sure, however, is to test for both.

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Flu symptoms usually appear two to three days after contact with the virus, according to the University of Pennsylvania Health System, but you may start to feel sick anywhere from one to seven days after contracting it. After four to seven days, most symptoms should diminish, though fatigue and a persistent cough can last longer.

However, according to Gregory Buller, M.D., the Chairman of Medicine and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut, these numbers are highly subjective and the flu can actually last longer. “Generally, symptoms last five to seven days, though those with weakened immune systems and infants may be symptomatic longer. Those with immune system problems and infants may be contagious for a longer period too,” he explains.

Those who have already gotten their flu shot may experience less severe symptoms which often go away earlier than the four-to-seven-day mark.

The flu doesn’t usually last as long as a cold (which the CDC states can last anywhere from seven to 10 days).

How Long is the Flu Contagious?

While not as contagious as COVID-19, the flu can spread rather quickly. Someone with the flu can pass the virus on to another person before any sign or symptoms, and five to seven days after symptoms develop. Usually, the flu is most contagious within the first three to four days after symptoms start.

Even if someone feels like they’ve recovered from the flu, it’s important to remember that they can still infect others within that five-to-seven-day window.

While the exact timeframe that one is contagious may be hard to pin down, a good way to know when it’s safer to be around people again is a lack of fever for 24 hours “without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol,” explains Michael Jhung, M. D., the associate director of epidemiologic science (ADES) in the CDC’s Influenza Division “Until then, you should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings,” he continues.

This is especially important if you work in a school, medical facility or a setting where high-risk groups, such as those with chronic illnesses, the elderly and children younger than five, frequent, stresses Dr. Jhung. Stay away from family, coworkers and friends who are at high risk until you are completely sure your symptoms have gone away.

Treating the Flu

While most people will recover from the flu on their own, anyone who is over the age of 65, has a weakened immune system or chronic disease, lives in a nursing facility or is pregnant should see a doctor after they first notice flu-like symptoms, advises Dr. Buller. Additionally, severe cases of the flu—such as those that occur in individuals already in a hospital—may need to be treated with antiviral medication.

If you find yourself sick with the flu and don’t have any preexisting conditions that may put you at risk for complications, stay at home and rest as much as possible. Over-the-counter pain medications can help reduce fever and other symptoms. Staying warm and drinking enough fluids can also help.

If you find that your symptoms are not getting better or seem to be getting worse, the CDC recommends watching out for the following warning signs that the flu might be taking a turn for the worse:

• Persistent chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• A lack of urination
• Severe weakness, muscle pain or unsteadiness
• A worsening of medical conditions from a chronic illness
• Symptoms that get better but then return

Warning signs differ for children and it’s always best to discuss personalized warning signs with your doctor since the CDC’s list is not exhaustive.

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How to Protect Yourself Against the Flu

The best way to protect yourself from the flu and complications from it is to get your annual flu shot. Approximately two weeks after getting your flu shot, your body is better suited to avoid the strain of the virus most prevalent in a given year. Not only are you less likely to contract the flu after getting the shot, but symptoms should be less severe and disappear quicker if you have your shot.

Despite its effectiveness, the flu shot is not recommended for infants under six months and anyone with an allergy to gelatin, antibiotics or other flu shot ingredients. If you have an egg allergy or have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a condition where a person’s own immune system attacks their nerves, consult your doctor before getting the shot.

Along with getting a flu shot, you can lower your chances of contracting the flu by practicing healthy habits. “In addition to flu vaccination, take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of flu like avoiding close contact with people who are sick, limiting contact with others if you’re sick, covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands often with soap and water,” states Dr. Jhung.

The CDC also recommends refraining from touching your face when in public, disinfecting surfaces and staying hydrated. Eating well and getting enough sleep can also boost your immune system against the flu.

While the flu is a serious illness, there are many ways to protect yourself against it, from getting your flu shot to naturally boosting your immune system. If you do get the flu, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to recover at home and be back to business as usual within a week.

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Here’s How To Get Through It > News > Yale Medicine

Four years ago, a sudden fever, sore throat, and body aches typically pointed toward one common—and unwelcome—seasonal illness: the flu.

But with the COVID-19 pandemic and all its associated precautions, including masking and staying home, influenza activity was down significantly in 2020 and 2021 compared to previous years. But now, the flu is back—with a vengeance.

“We are seeing a lot of flu cases as people spend more time gathering, traveling, and congregating indoors due to the colder weather. There is a rise in all respiratory infections, but especially flu,” says Matthew Ellman, MD, a Yale Medicine primary care physician and director of Yale Medicine Internal Medicine Associates.

In fact, the theoretical “tripledemic,” which describes a combination of flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases occurring at the same time, is more of a “twindemic,” with COVID and flu cases spiking and RSV numbers steadily declining in children, he adds.

One good piece of news is that this year’s flu vaccine appears to be a good match to the circulating strains, says Thomas Murray, MD, PhD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist.

“It’s important to remember that flu is a disease that kills thousands of people every year,” Dr. Murray says. “While the flu vaccine might not keep everyone from getting flu, it will help prevent its spread and help keep people out of the hospital. And because the health care system is stretched right now, that’s really what is needed. If more people are protected from flu and therefore stay out of the hospital, it frees up resources to better care for anyone who comes in with any problem.”

We talked more with Drs. Ellman and Murray about all things flu—from distinguishing it from COVID-19 to treatment to whether you can get it twice in one season.

Can you tell flu and COVID-19 apart?

While the most common flu symptoms remain the same year to year, COVID-19 and its evolving variants have created more of a puzzle when it comes to differentiating it from other illnesses.

“COVID-19 is a moving target right now, at least among the vaccinated patients I’m seeing. Lately, people with COVID have been experiencing cold-like symptoms, including sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and some fever,” Dr. Ellman says.

For the most part, flu is notable for its rapid onset and symptoms such as a fever of 100 to 104 degrees, muscle pains, and a non-productive cough, he says. “But it’s important to note that older people and those with issues with their immune system might not get a fever, and I’m also seeing some people with fatigue, sore throat, stuffy nose, and headache,” Dr. Ellman adds.

Dr. Murray agrees that it can be “very difficult” to differentiate among possible reasons a person is ill, including flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses. “Sudden onset of symptoms, in general, is more likely to be flu, but it’s certainly not a guarantee,” he says.

Should you get tested for flu and COVID?

Since home rapid COVID-19 tests are readily available, it’s a good idea to test for it first when you have any symptoms associated with a virus, doctors say. However, a negative rapid COVID doesn’t mean you’re in the clear, Dr. Murray cautions.

That’s because you could have COVID-19 and it’s not yet showing up on the test (rapid tests are not as “sensitive” as PCR tests), or you could have flu or another illness. “Therefore, it’s best to stay home when you have any symptoms that could be flu or COVID-19. And if you go out in public, wear a mask,” Dr. Murray says.

Another option is to see if your doctor can order a test, which is often performed at a testing site, that looks for both flu and COVID-19. But if a test is not easily available or if you know you were exposed to flu and/or COVID, it’s also fine for people who are otherwise in good health to stay home and skip the test.

However, if you are considered “high risk” for complications from either illness, you may want a test to confirm it; you may be eligible for antiviral treatments (more on those below).

Dr. Murray gives the following example of when a test is unnecessary: “If someone in your house has flu and two days later you have a fever, muscle aches, and chills, I don’t think you need a test. You’ve got flu,” he says. “But if you don’t have a known exposure, or you went to a party, and it’s unclear if people there had COVID, flu, or anything else, then if you really want to know, you should test. ”

How do you treat flu?

For most healthy children and adults, home care is the best way to treat flu. This includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and, if needed, taking over-the-counter medications to lower fevers or reduce muscle pain.

But for those at risk of severe disease or complications from flu, an antiviral treatment is recommended. And the list of qualifications for risk of significant illness is quite long, notes Dr. Ellman. “This includes anyone over age 65, children under age 2, pregnant women or women who have delivered a baby within two weeks, people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and those with chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and more,” he says.

The first antiviral treatment recommended for children and adults is typically oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu). The medication, which comes in pill and liquid form, is taken twice a day for five days and should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

It’s important to know that antiviral medications take a little time to work. “They will shorten the course of illness by a couple of days, and the earlier you take it, the better,” Dr. Murray says.

There are also other antiviral treatments for children and adults, Dr. Murray notes. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provides information on them here, as well as a complete list of conditions that make people more susceptible to developing serious complications from the flu.

Tamiflu side effects, which include nausea and vomiting, are rare in adults, Dr. Ellman says, but children are more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms. In rare cases, some children also experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, Dr. Murray says. These can include delirium, delusions, tremors, and anxiety symptoms, among others, so they must be monitored for changes in behavior while on the drug.

“If a child is hospitalized or if they have underlying problems that put them at high risk for being admitted to the hospital or having a serious illness, we would treat them with antivirals because the potential benefits outweigh the adverse effects,” says Dr. Murray. “But with children who are otherwise healthy, parents have to decide if the benefits are worth the side effects that come with antiviral treatment.”

The other value of antiviral flu treatments, Dr. Murray says, is that they can be used prophylactically with high-risk close contacts. “If you have a household member who has an immune problem, cancer, or a lung problem and they’re at a very high risk for being hospitalized from flu, then you can give these medicines to prevent influenza once they’ve been exposed to a close contact,” he says.

When should you seek medical attention?

Most people who get the flu will recover within a few days to about two weeks, but there are risks of complications, including pneumonia.

For children, Dr. Murray says parents should look out for breathing trouble and dehydration (low urine output, including few to no wet diapers in babies). “If you have any concerns, call your pediatrician,” he says. “And if a child who has flu starts to feel better and then suddenly gets worse, call your provider right away because sometimes they can have a bacterial infection after influenza. ”

Is there an amoxicillin shortage?

Many bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately, there have been reported shortages of amoxicillin, a common medication. But medical experts stress that while this has been the case on and off, other antibiotics are available that can be used to treat ear infections, pneumonia, and other issues.

Can you get flu twice in one season?

During flu season, multiple strains—flu A and B—circulate. After infection with one strain, you should have immunity from that strain for the rest of the flu season. However, you could get infected with a different strain, Dr. Murray points out.

“The surge we’re seeing now is with flu A­; we have not had any flu B yet, but it tends to come later in the season,” says Dr. Murray. “So, you can get flu A now, and then potentially, in a couple of months, you could get flu B. The vaccine contains strains for both flu A and B, so it’s important to get vaccinated even if you’ve already had the flu this season. ”

Should older adults get a different type of flu shot?

This flu season, the CDC recommends that people 65 and older who have not yet gotten their flu vaccine try to find a specially formulated one because they are more at risk for serious illness. There are three types: Fluzone high-dose quadrivalent vaccine, Fluad quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine, and Flublok quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine.

According to the CDC, the recommendation was based on a review of studies suggesting that, for this age group, these vaccines are potentially more effective than standard flu vaccines. Of the three recommended for older adults, Fluzone carries the most evidence of superior efficacy over the standard flu vaccine, according to the CDC. A 2014 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed Fluzone to be 24% more effective at flu prevention in people 65 and older than the standard vaccine.

Read more Yale Medicine news

More news from Yale Medicine

How long the flu is contagious and the first signs of the disease

According to the World Health Organization, about 1 billion people in the world become infected with the flu every year. The peak of activity of this severe viral infection occurs in autumn and winter. Due to the possible severe course of the disease, influenza is especially distinguished from other acute respiratory viral infections.

Influenza symptoms

The severity of the symptoms and how long the flu lasts depends on the person’s health and age. The disease is more difficult for children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and chronic diseases.

The main difference between influenza is an acute onset: the temperature rises sharply (up to 38-39.5 degrees), but on the first day there are no catarrhal phenomena. There are signs of infectious intoxication:

On the second or third day, cough, chest pain, runny nose may appear. In the absence of complications, the fever lasts 2-4 days, and the person recovers in 7-10 days.

How long flu is contagious

The virus spreads rapidly through the air. The incubation period is several days, during which a person already becomes contagious – before the first signs appear, and then another 5 days (for adults) or up to 7 days (for young children).

Prevention of influenza

Doctors recommend the following measures to prevent influenza infection:

• strengthening immunity

• regular and thorough hand hygiene

• 900 02 ventilation of premises

• vaccination – according to indications

For reinforcement The body’s defenses are important to a healthy lifestyle with a sufficient level of physical activity and a balanced diet, as well as taking vitamins.

Vitamins for the prevention of influenza

First of all, you need to pay attention to the 3 main trace elements with immunostimulating properties: vitamin C, vitamin D and Omega-3.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble micronutrient that our body cannot synthesize on its own, so it must be obtained from food. Participates in many important processes and performs the following actions:

• increases the activity of natural killer cells – a special type of lymphocytes that are responsible for human innate immunity

• strengthens cell membranes and prevents the penetration of viruses

• neutralizes free radicals that can damage cells and cause the development of various diseases, as well as premature aging

• reduces the duration of viral infections

Vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet light. Due to insufficient sun exposure, many people are deficient in this vitamin, so doctors recommend taking it extra. The main task of vitamin D is to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, but its benefits in other areas have also been proven:

• strengthening immunity, reducing the risk of developing infectious diseases0004

• Improvement of physical endurance

• Maintaining health of the cardiovascular system

omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are indispensable and should be present in the human diet. They are contained in cell membranes, regulate metabolism, and also:

• activate the immune system

• provide an antioxidant effect

• help maintain tone, energy and good mood

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The incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in Russia continues to grow, and, according to Rospotrebnadzor, the majority of patients are ill with influenza – it was detected in 70% of patients with symptoms of an acute respiratory viral infection. Of course, few people take the flu as seriously as covid, and this is understandable – the majority endure the disease without complications. However, for those who are at risk – the elderly, young children, patients with chronic diseases, it can be deadly. That is why the patient should, if possible, isolate himself from them while he is contagious.

— In complicated cases of SARS, that is, a viral infection and influenza, well, about seven days from the onset of the disease, that is, from the onset of symptoms, says Dr. Andrey Pozdnyakov. – As a rule, further the body completely eliminates the virus from itself and the person is no longer contagious. Therefore, about a week, sometimes less, especially if a person has met this virus before.

Andrey Pozdnyakov — infectious disease specialist, candidate of medical sciences, chief physician of the clinical diagnostic laboratory of OOO INVITRO-Siberia.

At the same time, a person will no longer be contagious in a week, even if the symptoms and complications of the disease persist. Even if a secondary bacterial infection joins, there is no contagiousness at this point, as with covid.

– In order for a person to be contagious, it is necessary that a sufficient amount of viral particles be released from the upper respiratory tract per unit time, – explains immunologist Nikolai Kryuchkov. When the symptoms go away, the person is no longer contagious. But if you need to determine exactly, then you need to look at PCR by this moment. If the PCR is negative, then the person is not contagious.

Nikolai Kryuchkov — Immunologist, General Director of LLC Clinical Excellence Group, Associate Professor of the I.M. Sechenov Medical University.

The most insidious in terms of contagiousness is the extremely mild course of the flu. A person may feel only mild manifestations of symptoms, but not pay attention to them, because they do not interfere in any way.

– At the same time, it can be contagious – however, the contagious period will be shorter. That is, this is not an incubation period, but, as it were, an infection, but very weakly manifested, – says Nikolai Kryuchkov.

The incubation period for influenza is less than a week, and during the incubation period, a person does not spread the virus, contagiousness occurs just before the onset of symptoms. For covid, for example, this is about a day before the onset of symptoms, and for the flu even later – a few hours.

Influenza, like other acute respiratory viral infections, usually begins with weakness, fever, general malaise. The head of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, noted earlier that the so-called swine flu, which is circulating this year, does not have any specific symptoms. However, it has its own characteristics – it causes an active epidemic process in high seasons, that is, when there are more cases than usual – these occur about once every five years.

Because more people get sick, there are more deaths during swine flu years. Statistics on the number of cases and deaths from influenza in recent months has not yet been published, but individual reports of deaths come from different regions. Recently, we talked about the sudden deaths of children diagnosed with SARS – in early December, several such cases became known at once.

• Doctors say that ARVI and flu spread during the cold season, but it can be said that it has just begun. Understanding how long the flu outbreak will last;

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