How long does the flu typically last. What are the most common flu symptoms. When is a person with the flu most contagious. How can you differentiate between the flu, a cold, and COVID-19. What are the best ways to treat flu symptoms at home. Who is at higher risk for flu complications. How can you protect yourself against the flu.

Understanding Influenza: A Comprehensive Overview

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. While often confused with the common cold, the flu can be more severe and potentially lead to serious complications, especially in high-risk individuals. Understanding the nature of this illness, its symptoms, duration, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention.

What Exactly is the Flu?

The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. The virus spreads mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have all symptoms, and the severity can vary widely among individuals.

The Typical Duration of Flu: What to Expect

One of the most common questions people ask when they fall ill with the flu is, “How long will this last?” While the duration can vary from person to person, there are some general timelines to keep in mind.

Incubation Period

The incubation period for the flu typically ranges from one to four days, with an average of about two days. During this time, a person may be infected with the virus but not yet showing symptoms.

Onset of Symptoms

Flu symptoms usually appear quite suddenly, often described as “hitting like a truck.” This is in contrast to the common cold, where symptoms tend to develop more gradually.

Duration of Symptoms

For most healthy individuals, flu symptoms last between five to seven days. However, some symptoms, particularly fatigue and a persistent cough, may linger for several weeks. The severity and duration of symptoms can be influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and whether the individual has received a flu vaccine.

Contagious Period

The contagious period for the flu begins about one day before symptoms appear and can last up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and those with weakened immune systems, might be contagious for a longer period.

Differentiating Flu from Other Illnesses

Given the similarity of symptoms, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish the flu from other respiratory illnesses like the common cold or COVID-19. However, there are some key differences to be aware of.

Flu vs. Common Cold

While both are respiratory illnesses, the flu tends to come on more suddenly and with more severe symptoms than a cold. Fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue are more common with the flu, while a runny or stuffy nose is more typical of a cold.

Flu vs. COVID-19

Differentiating between the flu and COVID-19 can be more challenging, as they share many symptoms. Generally, COVID-19 symptoms tend to be more severe and long-lasting than those of the flu. Additionally, COVID-19 is more likely to cause loss of taste or smell. However, the only definitive way to distinguish between the two is through testing.

Treatment Options for Managing Flu Symptoms

While there’s no cure for the flu, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness.

Antiviral Medications

Prescription antiviral drugs can be effective in treating flu, especially when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. These medications can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Various OTC medications can help alleviate specific flu symptoms:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches
• Decongestants for nasal congestion
• Cough suppressants for persistent cough

Home Remedies and Self-Care

Several home remedies can provide relief and support recovery:

• Rest and sleep to allow your body to fight the infection
• Staying hydrated with water, clear broths, and electrolyte beverages
• Using a humidifier to ease congestion and coughing
• Gargling with salt water to relieve sore throat

High-Risk Groups and Potential Complications

While most people recover from the flu without complications, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness and potential complications.

Who is at Higher Risk?

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5, especially those under 2
• 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

Potential Complications

Serious flu complications can include:

• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Multiorgan failure
• Sepsis

These complications can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Yourself and Others

Prevention is key when it comes to the flu. There are several effective strategies to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the virus.

Annual Flu Vaccination

Getting an annual flu shot is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu. The vaccine is updated each year to protect against the flu viruses that research suggests will be most common during the upcoming season.

Hygiene Practices

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Social Distancing and Isolation

If you’re sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. During flu season, consider maintaining distance from people who appear to be ill.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of the flu can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary.

Emergency Warning Signs in Adults

• 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
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

Emergency Warning Signs in Children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain
• Dehydration
• Not alert or interacting when awake
• Seizures
• Fever above 104°F
• In infants, inability to eat, no tears when crying, or significantly fewer wet diapers than usual

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

The Impact of Flu on Public Health and Economy

The flu is not just a personal health concern; it has significant implications for public health and the economy.

Annual Burden of Flu

Each year, the flu results in millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States alone. The exact numbers can vary widely from season to season, depending on the severity of the circulating virus strains.

Economic Impact

The flu imposes a substantial economic burden through:

• Direct medical costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits
• Indirect costs due to lost productivity and absenteeism
• Costs associated with preventive measures like vaccination programs

Public Health Measures

Public health agencies implement various measures to combat the flu, including:

• Surveillance systems to monitor flu activity
• Vaccination campaigns
• Public education initiatives
• Research into new treatments and prevention strategies

Understanding the broader impact of the flu underscores the importance of individual prevention efforts in contributing to overall public health.

Myths and Misconceptions About the Flu

Despite widespread education efforts, several myths and misconceptions about the flu persist. Addressing these can help improve public understanding and encourage better prevention and treatment practices.

Common Myths

1. Myth: The flu vaccine can give you the flu.
   Fact: The flu shot contains inactivated virus that cannot cause infection. The nasal spray vaccine contains weakened viruses that can’t cause the flu in most people.
2. Myth: Healthy people don’t need to get vaccinated.
   Fact: Even healthy individuals can contract and spread the flu. Vaccination protects both the individual and those around them who may be more vulnerable.
3. Myth: You can’t spread the flu if you’re feeling well.
   Fact: People can be contagious a day before symptoms appear and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.
4. Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever.
   Fact: Proper nutrition is important for recovery from both colds and flu. Staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods can help support the immune system.
5. Myth: Antibiotics can treat the flu.
   Fact: Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, not viruses like the flu. Antiviral medications are used to treat flu.

Dispelling these myths can lead to better-informed decisions about flu prevention and treatment.

The Future of Flu Prevention and Treatment

Research into flu prevention and treatment is ongoing, with several promising developments on the horizon.

Universal Flu Vaccine

Scientists are working on developing a universal flu vaccine that would provide broad protection against multiple flu strains and potentially eliminate the need for annual vaccinations.

New Antiviral Treatments

Research is underway to develop new antiviral medications that could more effectively combat the flu virus, potentially reducing the duration and severity of symptoms.

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Advancements in rapid diagnostic tests could allow for quicker, more accurate flu diagnosis, enabling earlier treatment and better containment of outbreaks.

Enhanced Surveillance and Prediction

Improved global surveillance systems and predictive modeling could help public health officials better anticipate and prepare for flu seasons and potential pandemics.

As our understanding of the flu virus continues to grow, so too does our ability to prevent and treat this common but potentially serious illness. By staying informed about the latest developments and following recommended prevention strategies, we can all play a part in reducing the impact of the flu on our communities.

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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How Long Does the Flu Last? Stages & Symptoms

Key takeaways

• The flu is a respiratory virus affecting the throat, nose, and sometimes the lungs.

• It typically takes about two weeks to recover from the flu.

   

• You are contagious two days before symptoms appear and up to seven days after they appear.

   

When symptoms like a sore throat and stuffy nose set in, you often wonder two things: What is this, and how long will it last? You could be dealing with allergies, a cold, or the flu, and each has a different timeline. How long the flu lasts depends on your general health but in general usually lasts about one to two weeks.

In this article, we break down the lifecycle of the flu, including how long you may experience symptoms, when you are contagious, and how long you should avoid interacting with others. We also advise when you should consider seeing a doctor. 

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How Long the Flu Lasts

The influenza virus causes the flu, a contagious respiratory sickness that affects the throat, nose, and sometimes the lungs. For healthy individuals, the flu is typically a fairly short-term illness, lasting no longer than a week or two. Luckily, you won’t feel miserable the entire time. Below is a timeline of a bout of the flu.

Incubation period

The time from when you’re exposed to a virus until symptoms first begin is called the incubation period. For the flu, this takes one to four days, with an average of two days. This means you may be contagious a day or two before symptoms start and can unknowingly spread the virus during that time.

Symptoms appear

Symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose generally show up one to four days after being exposed to the influenza virus. Not everyone has the same symptoms, and certain symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea, are more common in children or with certain strains of the flu. If your symptoms are severe or you are immunocompromised, consider seeking medical care at this time. 

Symptoms peak

Flu symptoms generally peak two to four days after they begin, then begin to gradually improve on their own. You are also most contagious three to four days after symptoms start. Symptoms may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Symptoms taper off

For otherwise healthy individuals, flu symptoms typically begin tapering off five days after they start. However, coughing and a general “sick” feeling may last for more than two weeks, especially for the elderly and those with chronic lung disease. 

Recovery

With rest, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and plenty of fluids, you’ll be on the road to recovery in no time. However, even as you begin to feel better, it’s important to stay away from others for a little while to ensure you don’t spread the flu. You are contagious from 5-7 days after symptoms emerge, so it’s best to stay home for a week after you first begin feeling sick. If fever is one of your symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.  

How Long Are You Contagious?

The flu virus is thought to spread by tiny droplets released into the air when sick people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets land on surfaces others may touch or go directly into the other person’s eyes, nose, or mouth causing them to get sick. 

If you have the flu, you were contagious even before you had symptoms. Before people start feeling symptoms, they are contagious for one or two days. Once symptoms start, you are contagious for the first five to seven days after getting sick. People with weakened immune symptoms or children, may be contagious for even longer. 

How to Treat the Flu

Prompt treatment with antiviral drugs, within two days of getting symptoms, may lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of your sickness by one or two days. They may also prevent severe complications like pneumonia. Not everyone needs antiviral drugs but those with compromised immune systems or the elderly may benefit.  

If you have the flu, be sure to stay home and distance yourself from others. If you do need to go out for any reason, wear a mask, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and wash your hands frequently. Allow yourself plenty of time to rest and be sure to keep yourself hydrated. 

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When to See a Doctor

With proper self-care, the flu typically goes away on its own, especially if you are otherwise healthy.

However, certain high-risk people should seek medical care when they come down with the flu to help watch for and prevent any serious complications such as pneumonia.

This includes: 

• Adults 65 and older
• Anyone with chronic illnesses (especially those that affect the lungs or immune system)
• Pregnant people
• Very young children with severe symptoms

Antiviral medications can help make flu symptoms go away about one day faster.

However, these need to be started within 72 hours of symptoms appearing, they can have bothersome side effects, and they do not prevent serious complications like hospitalization, pneumonia, or death.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine if these medications are right for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to recover from the flu?

The best thing you can do to recover from the flu as fast as possible is to stay hydrated, rest, and isolate. There is no cure for the flu, antibiotics are ineffective against it, and antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) only make symptoms go away about one day more quickly and can have side effects. Over-the-counter medications may provide some relief from symptoms, but they do not make the flu go away any faster.

How long does immunity to the flu last after getting sick?

Because there are so many different strains, it’s hard to say how long immunity to the flu lasts after getting sick. On the other hand, if you get the flu shot, you’re protected against multiple variations of the virus for about six months.

How long should you stay at home with the flu?

Because the flu easily spreads from person to person, it’s important to stay home when you may be contagious. Generally, this is from a day before and up to seven days after symptoms start. So stay home for a week after you first feel sick to help keep others safe.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Am I Still Contagious? (2018).
  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/am-i-still-contagious.html

• Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick. (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm

• Flu Season. (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm

• Flu Symptoms & Diagnosis. (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/index.html

• How Flu Spreads. (2018).
  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm

• How Long Does the Flu Last? (2020).
  https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-long-does-the-flu-last

• Preventive Steps. (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm

• What Are the Benefits of Flu Vaccination? (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm

• Key facts about influenza (Flu). (2022.)
  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm

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

You can purchase premium quality vitamins and Omega-3 on the NFO website.

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How many days do people get sick with the flu: the incubation period of the flu – December 22, 2022

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org/Person”> Photo: Daria Selenskaya / City portals

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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 suffer from 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;

• Along with the increase in the incidence of influenza, the daily increase in covid patients is also growing. Read what happens if you get infected with two viruses at once;

• nevertheless, no anti-epidemic measures were introduced at the federal level.