How Long Does the Flu Last?

Influenza or “flu” is a common infectious viral illness that affects millions of Americans each year. It is especially common during the winter months or flu season. You can catch the flu multiple times because the viruses keep changing (mutating) and your body does not have immunity to the newer versions. 

In most people, the flu is a short-lived, self-limited illness, but some people are at a high risk of developing flu complications. 

Please continue reading to learn how long the flu lasts, how it spreads, and what you should do to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Is flu the same thing as the common cold?

Both the flu and the common cold are spread through coughs and sneezes. Both can cause flu-like symptoms. But they are not the same thing. Flu is caused by different viruses and tends to cause more severe symptoms than the common cold. 

What’s the difference between flu sore throat and Strep throat? 

Sore throat (medical term: pharyngitis) is a common symptom of viral infections like the flu or the common cold. When caused by viral illnesses, sore throat usually resolves on its own. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, and hoarseness.

Strep throat is an infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. It is less common than viral infections and is more common in children than adults. Strep throat must be treated with antibiotics to prevent serious complications. The sore throat from Strep throat is typically accompanied by a fever of 101F or more and pain with swallowing.

What are the most common flu symptoms?

Common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever (high temperature) of 100.4F or higher
• Headache
• Body aches
• Weakness and tiredness
• Dry cough 
• Altered smell and taste

Other symptoms may include a runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat. 

How does the flu virus spread?

Flu viruses spread from person to person. Infected persons can spread the virus to others from the day symptoms start. They remain infectious for up to 7 days. 

The flu virus is present in tiny droplets from the nose and mouth when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These droplets remain suspended in the air and land on surfaces, where the flu virus can survive for up to 24 hours outside a human host. If you breathe in the droplets, you can get the flu. 

You can also get the flu by touching surfaces on which the droplets have landed and then touching your nose or mouth (less common). Frequently touched surfaces like computer keyboards, door handles, remote controls, and handrails are easily contaminated and can lead to flu spread.

Flu symptoms usually appear one to four days after exposure to the virus.

How long does it take to get over the flu? 

In generally healthy people, the flu typically lasts for 5-7 days. So, you should start to feel better within a few days. However, you may continue to feel tired for up to two weeks. People who have received flu vaccination usually experience less severe symptoms. 

Can the flu vaccine shorten the duration of illness?

The CDC recommends that all persons 6 months and older get the annual flu vaccine. Each year, the vaccines are formulated to include the flu strain (four most common viruses) circulating during a flu season. Getting the flu vaccine or “flu shot” can shorten the duration of your flu illness and reduce your risk of needing to see a doctor by 40-60%. 

Who is at high risk of getting the flu?

People who are at a higher risk of getting the flu and of the flu potentially turning deadly include: 

• Very young children
• Older adults (age 65 and above)
• Pregnant women
• People with a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy or HIV infection
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease
• Obese individuals (BMI 40 or higher) 

You should contact your healthcare provider if your flu symptoms do not improve in one to two weeks or if you develop shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or coughing up blood.

How to prevent the spread of the flu?

The following hygiene measures can prevent you from catching the flu or spreading it to others.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and promptly put used tissues in a bin.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with others when you are sick with flu-like symptoms.

Flu recovery tips

Most people feel sick for 5-7 days after the first flu symptoms appear. There is no specific treatment for the illness. The fastest way to recover from the flu is to get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or body aches, if needed.

Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) are available to reduce symptoms. However, these antiviral medicines are not usually required by healthy people. Antiviral medications for treating the flu are typically reserved for people who are at an increased risk of flu complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic health issues, or people with weakened immune systems.

References:

1. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/flu
2. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Get answers to this question and more so you’re better prepared to fight the flu.

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Most people don’t give the flu a second thought—until they have it. Then they have lots of questions, such as “how long does the flu last?”, “could I have prevented it?” and “how can I get better faster?”

Since it’s always helpful to have answers to health-related questions before you really need to know them, here is some important information about this common illness.

How long does the flu last?

Although every person’s bout with the flu is different, symptoms typically last for 5 – 7 days. In some cases, especially if you had a flu shot, you’ll be sick for a shorter period of time. And sometimes symptoms will last longer than a week or you’ll continue to feel tired even after other symptoms go away.

What can you do to protect yourself from getting the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people ages 6 months and up get an annual flu shot, unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Each year the flu shot contains protection against the flu strains expected to be the most common. Additionally, the same things that protect you from COVID-19 protect you from the flu—stay away from people who are sick, wash your hands often and don’t touch your face.

Flu Shots still available!

Our week day Flu Clinic is located at our Immunization Clinic (7473 Perkins Road- It is the white brick building between the Main Clinic and The Baton Rouge Clinic Urgent Care/Albertsons). Flu Shots will be given Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM. Patients will park and enter the building. No appointment necessary.

What are the most common flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms may include fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, body aches, headache, runny or stuffy nose. You may also have vomiting or diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults. Many of these symptoms are similar to COVID-19 symptoms. The only way to know for sure which virus you have is to get tested.

How can you treat the flu if you get it?

When you have the flu, the best thing to do is to stay home, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and let the virus run its course. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with fever and aches. Some people may benefit from antiviral drugs, which can lessen symptoms, shorten the amount of time you are sick and reduce the risk of flu complications, such as pneumonia. These drugs need to be given at the start of the illness and are especially helpful for people at a high risk of developing serious illness from the flu.

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Caution flu

REMINDER FOR THE PUBLIC

9 0013 FLU AND SARS PREVENTION

What is influenza?

Influenza is a severe viral infection that affects men, women and children of all ages and nationalities. Influenza epidemics happen every year, usually during the cold season. Influenza and ARVI rank first in the number of cases in the world, the share in the structure of infectious diseases reaches 95%.

Influenza and SARS, gradually undermining health, reduce the average life expectancy of a person by several years. In severe cases of influenza, irreversible damage to the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs, and central nervous system often occurs, provoking heart and vascular diseases, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, and meningoencephalitis. Common complications after influenza are rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, exacerbation of chronic diseases, bacterial superinfection. A bacterial infection (pneumococcal, hemophilic, staphylococcal) is often introduced into an organism weakened by influenza. Influenza collects the greatest victims among the elderly population groups suffering from chronic diseases. Death from influenza can occur from intoxication, cerebral hemorrhages, pulmonary complications (pneumonia), heart or cardiopulmonary failure.

What is SARS? How is it different from the flu?

The term “acute respiratory disease” (ARI) or “acute respiratory viral infection” (ARVI) covers a large number of diseases that are very similar to each other. Their main similarity is that they are all caused by viruses that enter the body along with inhaled air through the mouth and nasopharynx, and also that they are all characterized by the same set of symptoms. The patient has a few days of fever, sore throat, cough and headache. The most common symptom of respiratory disease is a runny nose; it is caused by a number of related viruses known as rhinoviruses. With recovery, all these symptoms disappear and do not leave behind any traces.

The influenza virus is very easily transmitted. The most common route of transmission of infection is airborne. It is also possible and household way of transmission, for example through household items. When coughing, sneezing, talking, particles of saliva, mucus, sputum with pathogenic microflora, including influenza viruses, are ejected from the nasopharynx of a patient or a virus carrier. An infected zone is formed around the patient with a maximum concentration of aerosol particles. The range of their scattering usually does not exceed 2 – 3 m.

Flu symptoms.

Influenza usually starts acutely. The incubation (hidden) period usually lasts 2-5 days. Then the period of acute clinical manifestations begins. The severity of the disease depends on the general state of health, age, whether the patient has previously been in contact with this type of virus. Depending on this, the patient may develop one of four forms of influenza: mild, moderate, severe, hypertoxic.

Influenza and SARS prevention is subdivided into non-specific and specific.

Methods of non-specific prophylaxis:
1. Personal hygiene.
In other words, many diseases are associated with unwashed hands. The source, as before, is a sick person. Avoid shaking hands during this period. After contact with door handles, toilets, handrails in public places, treat hands with an antiseptic or wash them thoroughly. Do not touch your nose, eyes, mouth with dirty, unwashed hands.
2. Rinse the nose.

Even if you don’t know how to do it, it’s time to learn. Now many doctors advise moisturizing or rinsing the nose during epidemics. This can be done with a saline solution (1 teaspoon of salt per liter of water) or special salt sprays, of which there are many in pharmacies.

3. Putting on masks .

Moreover, it is worth putting it on a sick person in order to prevent large particles of saliva from entering the space when coughing and sneezing, but it does not retain small particles.

4. Thorough cleaning of premises . The virus loves warm and dusty rooms, so you should take the time to wet cleaning and airing.

5. Avoid crowds . During this period, it is better to refrain from going to theaters, circuses, cafes and other places where infected people may be and where the chance of catching the virus is high.

6. Other methods , which include a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, exercise, walking and more.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers vaccination to be the only socially and economically viable response to influenza. Vaccination reduces morbidity by 90% and hospitalization by 60%.

The main method of specific prophylaxis against influenza is active immunization – vaccination, when a particle of an infectious agent is introduced into the body. The viruses (its parts) contained in the vaccine stimulate the body to produce antibodies (they begin to be produced on average after two weeks), which prevent the reproduction of viruses and infection of the body.

It is best to vaccinate in the autumn, as influenza epidemics usually occur between November and March.

In the pre-epidemic season 2015-2016 in the Arkhangelsk region, it is planned to vaccinate 315,000 people, including 90,000 children. Currently, the vaccine has arrived in the medical and preventive organizations of the region.

Influenza vaccination can be done in the vaccination office at the local clinic – free of charge!

Press service of Rospotrebnadzor

in the Arkhangelsk region

Memo for the population on the prevention of influenza
A (h2N1)2009

HOW TO PROTECT FROM FLU A (h2) N1) 2009

The so-called “swine flu” » ( Influenza A(h2N1) 2009) is a human disease. Influenza A (h2N1) virus is easily transmitted from person to person and causes respiratory diseases of varying severity. The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of a regular (seasonal) flu. The severity of the disease depends on a number of factors, including the general condition of the body and age. Predisposed to the disease: the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), and with a weakened immune system. How to protect yourself from the flu?

RULE 1: WASH

Hand hygiene is an important step in preventing the spread of the flu. Washing with soap removes and destroys germs. If it is not possible to wash your hands with soap and water, use alcohol-containing or disinfectant wipes.

Cleaning and regular disinfection of surfaces (tables, doorknobs, chairs, etc.) removes and destroys the virus.

RULE 2: KEEP DISTANCE AND Etiquette

Avoid close contact with sick people. Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from patients. Avoid travel and crowded places. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Influenza virus spreads in these ways. Don’t spit in public places. Wear a mask or use other available protective equipment to reduce the risk of getting sick.

The virus is easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by airborne droplets (when sneezing, coughing), so it is necessary to keep a distance of at least 1 meter from sick people. When coughing, sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues, which should be thrown away after use. By avoiding unnecessary visits to crowded places, we reduce the risk of disease.

RULE 3. LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper sleep, intake of foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, and physical activity.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU A (h2N1) 2009?

The most common symptoms of influenza A(H1N1)2009:

• high body temperature (97%),

• cough (94%),

• runny nose (59%) ,

• sore throat (50%),

• headache (47%),

• rapid breathing (41%),

• muscle pain (35%),

9000 2 • Conjunctivitis (9%).

In some cases, symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders were observed (which are not characteristic of seasonal influenza) : nausea, vomiting (18%), diarrhea (12%).

Complications of influenza A(H1N1)2009:

A characteristic feature is the early occurrence of complications. If seasonal flu complications occur, as a rule, on the 5-7th day and later, then with influenza A (H1N1) 2009already on the 2-3rd day of illness.

The leading complication is primary viral pneumonia . Viral pneumonia worsens rapidly, and many patients develop respiratory failure within 24 hours, requiring immediate respiratory support with mechanical ventilation. Promptly started treatment helps to alleviate the severity of the disease.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ILL?

Stay at home and seek immediate medical attention. Follow your doctor’s orders, stay in bed, and drink plenty of fluids. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Wash your hands with soap as often as possible.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY IS ILL WITH FLU?

Give the sick person a separate room in the house. If this is not possible, keep a distance of at least 1 meter from the patient.

Minimize contact between sick people and loved ones, especially children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

Ventilate the room frequently.

Maintain cleanliness by washing and disinfecting surfaces as often as possible with household cleaners.

Wash your hands frequently with soap.

When caring for a sick person, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or other protective equipment (shawl, scarf, etc.).

Only one family member should care for the sick person.

(According to the materials of the site http://29.rospotrebnadzor.ru/)

City Polyclinic No. 24 – Flu: easy to prevent

• Main
• General information
• Reminders

Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. In our country, seasonal epidemics occur mainly in the autumn and winter seasons.

Influenza circulates all over the world, and anyone from any age group can get it. According to statistics, every eighth adult and every fourth child in Russia suffers from seasonal flu.

Influenza is a major public health problem that causes severe illness and death in high-risk populations. An influenza epidemic can have an economic impact by reducing workforce productivity and overburdening health services.

FLU FACTS

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate throughout the world.

There are three types of seasonal influenza, A, B, and C. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause outbreaks and epidemics. For this reason, appropriate strains of influenza A and B viruses are included in seasonal influenza vaccines.

Influenza type C virus is much less common and usually causes mild infections with less significant public health consequences.

Annual flu epidemics can have a severe impact on all populations, but pregnant women, children aged 6-59 months, the elderly, and people with certain chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic illnesses are most at risk of complications heart and lung, and healthcare workers.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Seasonal flu is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat, and runny nose. The cough may be severe and last 2 weeks or more. Most people recover within a week without any medical attention. But the flu can lead to severe illness or death in people at higher risk. The incubation period lasts about two days.

TRANSMISSION

Seasonal flu spreads easily and spreads quickly in crowded places. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets containing the viruses spread through the air to people nearby, who inhale them.

The virus can also be transmitted through hands infected with the virus. To prevent transmission, people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing with a handkerchief and wash their hands regularly.

PREVENTION

For more than 60 years, safe and effective vaccines have been available and used. In healthy people, the influenza vaccine may provide moderate protection. However, in older people, the influenza vaccine may be less effective in preventing the disease, but may reduce the severity of illness and reduce complications and death.

Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, and for people who live with or care for people at high risk.

Influenza vaccination is most effective when the circulating viruses closely match those contained in the vaccine. Because influenza viruses are constantly changing, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), a network of national influenza centers and WHO collaborating centers around the world, continuously monitors influenza viruses circulating in humans and updates them twice a year. composition of influenza vaccines.

TREATMENT

Influenza antivirals can effectively prevent and treat influenza. Drugs should be taken as early as possible (within 48 hours of symptom onset).

More details: the website of the World Health Organization

GET VACCINED IN TIME

Residents of the Admiralteisky District can get vaccinated at the polyclinic at the place of residence. To do this, you need to come to the clinic with a passport and a compulsory medical insurance policy.

How the vaccination rooms of district polyclinics work:

St. Petersburg City Polyclinic No. 24 (140 Obvodny Canal Embankment; tel.: 246-73-03), room 214:

• on weekdays from 11.00 until 19.30.

St. Petersburg City Polyclinic No. 27 (Voznesensky pr., 27; tel.: 314-16-92), room 415:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – from 11:00-15:00,
• Friday – from 11:00-13:00.