How long does the average flu last. What are the stages of flu progression. When are you most contagious with the flu. How can you treat flu symptoms at home. When should you see a doctor for the flu.

Understanding the Flu: Causes and Symptoms

The influenza virus is the culprit behind the flu, a highly contagious respiratory illness that primarily affects the throat, nose, and in some cases, the lungs. While the duration of the flu can vary from person to person, it typically lasts about one to two weeks for most healthy individuals.

Common flu symptoms include:

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

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences the same set of symptoms, and certain manifestations, such as vomiting and diarrhea, are more prevalent in children or with specific flu strains.

The Flu Timeline: From Exposure to Recovery

To better understand the progression of the flu, let’s break down its typical lifecycle:

Incubation Period

The incubation period refers to the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms. For the flu, this period ranges from one to four days, with an average of two days. During this time, you may be contagious without realizing it, potentially spreading the virus to others.

Symptom Onset

Flu symptoms generally appear one to four days after exposure to the influenza virus. This is when you’ll start to notice signs like coughing, sore throat, fever, and a runny nose.

Peak of Symptoms

Flu symptoms typically reach their peak intensity two to four days after they begin. This is also when you’re most contagious, with the highest risk of spreading the virus to others occurring three to four days after symptom onset.

Symptom Tapering

For most healthy individuals, flu symptoms start to subside about five days after they first appear. However, it’s not uncommon for some symptoms, particularly coughing and a general feeling of malaise, to persist for more than two weeks, especially in elderly individuals or those with chronic lung conditions.

Recovery Phase

With proper rest, over-the-counter medications, and adequate hydration, most people will be on the path to recovery within a week or two. However, it’s crucial to remain cautious and avoid close contact with others for up to a week after symptoms first appear to prevent spreading the virus.

Contagiousness: When Are You Most Likely to Spread the Flu?

Understanding when you’re most contagious is crucial for preventing the spread of the flu. Here’s what you need to know:

• You can be contagious one to two days before symptoms appear
• The highest contagiousness occurs three to four days after symptom onset
• You remain contagious for five to seven days after symptoms emerge
• People with weakened immune systems or children may be contagious for an extended period

To minimize the risk of transmission, it’s advisable to stay home for at least a week after you first start feeling sick. If fever is one of your symptoms, remain isolated for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Effective Home Treatments for Managing Flu Symptoms

While there’s no cure for the flu, several home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery:

1. Get plenty of rest to allow your body to focus on fighting the virus
2. Stay hydrated by drinking water, herbal teas, and clear broths
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and ease body aches
4. Try saline nasal drops or sprays to relieve nasal congestion
5. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and ease breathing
6. Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat
7. Consume vitamin C-rich foods or supplements to support your immune system

Remember, these home remedies can help manage symptoms, but they won’t cure the flu or shorten its duration significantly. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.

Antiviral Medications: When and How They Can Help

In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat the flu. These drugs can be particularly beneficial if administered within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. Here’s what you should know about antiviral treatments:

• They can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms
• Antivirals may shorten the illness by one to two days
• They can help prevent severe complications like pneumonia
• Not everyone needs antiviral drugs, but they may be especially beneficial for high-risk individuals

Can antiviral medications completely cure the flu? While antiviral drugs can significantly reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, they don’t provide an instant cure. Instead, they work by inhibiting the virus’s ability to replicate, giving your immune system a better chance to fight off the infection more quickly.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention

While most healthy individuals can recover from the flu without medical intervention, certain high-risk groups should seek prompt medical care to prevent potential complications. These groups include:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Children under 5 years old, especially those under 2
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Are there specific symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention? Yes, certain flu symptoms should prompt you to seek medical care right away, regardless of your risk group. These include:

• 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

Preventing the Flu: Strategies for Staying Healthy

While understanding the duration and progression of the flu is important, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the flu:

Get Vaccinated

Annual flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza. The vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most prevalent strains.

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available.

Avoid Close Contact

Keep your distance from people who are sick. If you’re ill, stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose

Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues immediately.

Don’t Touch Your Face

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are entry points for viruses.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A strong immune system is your best defense against the flu. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and manage stress to keep your body resilient.

How effective is the flu vaccine in preventing illness? While the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year, it generally reduces the risk of flu illness by 40% to 60% among the overall population when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses. Even if you do get sick after vaccination, the vaccine can reduce the severity of your symptoms and lower the risk of serious complications.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of the Flu

While most people recover from the flu without lasting effects, in some cases, the virus can lead to serious complications or have long-term impacts on health. Understanding these potential outcomes can underscore the importance of prevention and prompt treatment.

Common Complications

The flu can sometimes lead to secondary infections or exacerbate existing health conditions. Some common complications include:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Impact on Chronic Conditions

For individuals with chronic health conditions, the flu can cause significant setbacks. It may worsen:

• Asthma symptoms
• Diabetes management
• Heart disease
• Kidney function

Post-Flu Syndrome

Some individuals experience prolonged fatigue, weakness, and reduced exercise tolerance for weeks or even months after recovering from the acute phase of the flu. This condition is sometimes referred to as post-viral fatigue syndrome.

Can the flu have long-term effects on lung function? In severe cases, particularly those involving pneumonia, the flu can cause lasting damage to the lungs. This may result in reduced lung capacity or increased susceptibility to respiratory infections in the future. However, for most people who recover from uncomplicated flu, lung function typically returns to normal within a few weeks to months.

Understanding the potential long-term effects of the flu emphasizes the importance of prevention through vaccination and prompt treatment when symptoms arise. By taking proactive measures to protect yourself and seeking appropriate care when needed, you can minimize the risk of these complications and ensure a quicker, more complete recovery from the flu.

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 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 to distinguish influenza from SARS

In this article you will learn what is the difference between influenza and SARS and why you need to distinguish between these diseases for proper treatment and prevention.

Many people are accustomed to calling any ailment a “cold” and do not consider this condition dangerous. Indeed, there are similarities between all acute respiratory diseases. But they can be caused by different viruses and bacteria, run differently, and lead to different health outcomes. Therefore, the diagnosis and control of the doctor is actually very important.

At the first symptoms of a respiratory viral infection, you can contact a MedEx clinic physician. We will help to accurately determine the nature of the disease and quickly cure it.

Miscellaneous pathogens

The main difference between influenza and SARS is the reason. The causative agent of SARS can be any of more than 200 viruses (adenoviruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and many others). All respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms and require the same treatment, but from a scientific point of view, SARS is not one disease, but a large group.

With the flu, the situation is different: it is caused by a very specific virus. Of course, the flu virus exists in three different types and constantly mutates, but scientists constantly monitor these changes and take them into account when preparing for each season of the epidemic.

Miscellaneous onset and course of disease

An experienced doctor can recognize the cause of the disease by the way it began and proceeds. Therefore, at the appointment with the therapist, tell in detail about your feelings from the first day when you felt that you were sick.

The main differences are:

• Influenza usually starts very abruptly. Literally within an hour or two, a high temperature rises and chills begin. The person feels unwell and tends to lie down, even if there are no respiratory signs of the disease yet. At the same time, ARVI can develop gradually and begin with slight weakness and sore throat.
• The general condition of a sick person with ARVI is usually easier – there is weakness due to fever and unpleasant symptoms like a runny nose. During the flu, the patient often feels severe body aches, appetite disappears, sometimes weakness and dizziness literally do not allow to get out of bed. And most importantly, after the flu, weakness usually persists for another week or more.
• Complete recovery from SARS usually occurs within a week. Influenza usually lasts longer: up to 10 days the acute phase of the disease, 2-3 weeks – asthenic syndrome, that is, weakness and decreased performance due to intoxication of the body.

Slight differences in symptoms

In general, the picture with ARVI and influenza is similar: a person feels very cold, he is concerned about respiratory manifestations of the disease and fever. But the difference still exists, and it is important to see it in order to consult a doctor in time at the slightest suspicion of the flu.

The most important differences between flu and SARS symptoms to be aware of:

• With ARVI, a runny nose and sneezing usually appear immediately, on the very first day of the disease. With influenza, these symptoms are initially absent, they can only join on the 2-3rd day of illness and are considered a complication.
• The body temperature during influenza is higher: it can rise to 38.5-40 ° C and stay for several days. If it’s the flu, it’s usually hard to bring down the fever. At the same time, ARVI rarely gives a temperature above 38 ° C, and after 2-3 days the fever subsides.
• Some symptoms are especially pronounced with influenza: chills, pain in the eyes and photophobia, increased sweating, intense headache, redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes. Dizziness may also appear. All this is a consequence of the fact that with influenza, intoxication of the body is stronger and develops faster.
• Influenza more often than SARS is accompanied by indigestion – especially in a child.
• Cough with ARVI usually appears immediately, and with influenza it may not occur at all or join on the 2-3rd day of illness. During the flu, the cough is dry, often accompanied by chest pain.

There is a vaccine against influenza

Unlike SARS, influenza in adults and children can be prevented by vaccination. This is possible because although the flu virus is constantly evolving, it still comes in only 3 types: A, B and C. The number of strains is limited, and scientists constantly monitor their mutation, so they can prepare for each season of the epidemic.

What is important to know if you are planning to get a flu shot:

• It does not provide 100% protection. If a person has been vaccinated, this does not mean that he will definitely not get the flu this season and may not comply with preventive measures. But the risk is still reduced by 70-80%, and this is already a good indicator.
• Vaccination reduces the risk of complications from influenza and relieves symptoms of the disease. Even if a vaccinated person becomes infected, they are likely to recover from the flu more quickly and easily. Therefore, it makes sense to take root in any case.
• A vaccine is developed annually. Each season of the epidemic is dominated by different strains of the virus, so the vaccine formula is regularly adapted by scientists. The vaccine simultaneously provides protection against several of the most dangerous varieties of influenza that will be common this year.
• Vaccination should be done in advance, and not during the season of high incidence. The optimal margin of time to have time to form your own immunity is 3-4 weeks before the start of the season. In Russia, it usually begins in October-November, so the standard time for influenza vaccination is early autumn.

At the same time, it is impossible to vaccinate against SARS, because this is too large a group of viral diseases. To prepare for a seasonal outbreak of SARS, you should strengthen your immune system in advance with proper nutrition, hardening, healthy sleep patterns and other methods. And directly in the cold season, you need to take additional precautions: dress according to the weather, wash your hands more often and avoid crowded places unless absolutely necessary.

What do SARS and influenza have in common

Despite the differences in the symptoms of influenza and SARS in adults, there are some common points. Strictly speaking, the flu is also one of the varieties of SARS. But since it is more severe and more likely to lead to complications, it is important to diagnose it separately and distinguish it from all other respiratory infections.

What unites these two diagnoses:

• It is useless to treat both ARVI and influenza with antibiotics – these are diseases of a viral nature; drugs for their treatment are selected by a general practitioner after a personal consultation.
• The main thing for recovery is to keep the body calm, drink plenty of warm liquids and make sure that the body temperature does not rise excessively. These rules are relevant for any acute respiratory disease – an acute respiratory disease.
• Influenza and SARS are highly contagious and are transmitted in the same way: by airborne droplets, by physical contact with a sick person, or through surfaces that an infected person has touched.
• Epidemic: the incidence of SARS and influenza in Russia increases sharply every year in the autumn-winter period and in the spring. The peak incidence usually occurs in January-February. At this time, schools and kindergartens are closed for quarantine throughout the country, and polyclinics are overcrowded.
• At risk for SARS and influenza are children under 14 years of age, pensioners, pregnant women and adults with weakened immunity for various reasons. These groups of people are more likely to catch the virus and need to be monitored by a doctor during an illness.
• ARVI and influenza are fraught with similar complications: against their background, inflammatory processes can occur in the lungs and bronchi, middle ear, sinuses, and even in the heart or brain.

In addition, after the flu, the likelihood of serious life-threatening complications is higher. Therefore, it is so dangerous to carry the disease “on your feet” and self-medicate – it is important to diagnose and treat it under medical supervision.

Treatment of influenza and SARS in Moscow

If you have symptoms of a viral illness, you can seek help from the MedEx Personal Medicine Clinic. An experienced general practitioner will distinguish between the flu and ARVI, in which the symptoms can be very similar at the beginning.

The doctor will select the appropriate treatment and, if necessary, prescribe laboratory tests. You can specify the cost of primary and secondary appointments with a therapist in our clinic in the table on the service page.

We accept in Moscow near the metro station Kutuzovskaya. To make an appointment, leave your phone number on the site or simply call us.

incubation period for various types of infections, disease prevention measures

Almost every person on the planet suffers from 1 to 15 (average 4) episodes of SARS annually. ¹ The high incidence is due to the fact that respiratory viruses are numerous, variable and highly contagious. The spread of infections contributes to the neglect of prevention.

At an early stage, patients often do not realize that they can infect healthy people, and do not take protective measures. And after a few days of illness, many are sure that they no longer secrete viruses. In the article, we found out how long a person is contagious with ARVI, and when it is possible to contact others without risk.

Incubation period for different types of SARS

SARS is a broad group of viral infections. Despite the different types of pathogens (about 200 types of ² ), they have similar distribution patterns, developmental mechanisms, and symptoms. All SARS affect the upper respiratory system, and their typical symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and fever.

About half of all ARVI pathogens are rhinoviruses. ² Influenza, parainfluenza, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses are common. Sometimes with ARVI, several pathogens are isolated simultaneously – in these cases, the disease is more severe. ³

As for the incubation period, it depends not only on the properties of the pathogen, but also on the characteristics of the organism and the strength of the immune response. Most often, from the moment of infection with SARS to the appearance of the first symptoms, it takes from 2 days to a week. ³ The main danger is that even in the absence of signs of infection, the patient can infect others.

When a person ceases to be contagious with SARS

When the virus enters the body, it attaches to the shell of a healthy cell, penetrates through it and begins to multiply. At the next stage, the daughter virions leave the infected cell and actively spread throughout the body, infecting new cells. This cycle is repeated many times until a sufficiently large number of viruses accumulate in the body. On average, this occurs on the 3rd day after infection. During this period, the patient poses the greatest danger to others, since coughing and sneezing releases the maximum amount of viruses. As a rule, the symptoms of the disease on this day are especially pronounced. ³

Antiviral drug of direct action – Nobasit ^® Forte – acts immediately after the virus enters the body. The active substance of the drug, enisamia iodide, prevents the penetration of the virus into cells by blocking the hemagglutinin protein. ⁴ Doctors recommend starting the drug within the first 48 hours of the onset of the disease to limit the spread of infection throughout the body and prevent infecting others. Due to the proven directed action on the cause of SARS, enisamia iodide helps to reduce the severity of the main clinical symptoms – cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, etc., and helps to reduce the duration of the disease. ⁵

Active release of viruses into the environment continues for several days. On the 5th day from the onset of the disease, specific antibodies against the pathogen are produced. Shedding of viruses is drastically reduced, and the chance of infecting others is reduced. By this time, the symptoms of SARS are weakening. This happens in most cases, but sometimes a recovered person remains contagious for up to 14 days – until the pathogen is completely removed from the body. ³

It can be said that a person stops spreading the infection about two weeks after the onset of the disease and can come into contact with healthy people without risk. Although usually the isolation of viruses stops earlier – with the disappearance of symptoms of SARS. But the timing of contagiousness depends on the type of infection.

Influenza

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With influenza, a person becomes a carrier of the virus immediately after infection. The duration of the illness is usually 5-7 days. Most patients stop shedding the virus when symptoms disappear, but about 20% of people remain contagious for another 10 to 16 days.

How to identify the flu. The infection spreads mainly by airborne droplets and occurs with a high temperature (38˚C and above), severe intoxication (headache, body aches, weakness). Nasal congestion and coughing often follow these symptoms. Epidemic outbreaks most often occur in the autumn-winter period.

Rhinovirus infection

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The incubation period of rhinovirus does not exceed a week, and averages 1-3 days, while the disease lasts about 3-7 days. From the time of onset of symptoms, a person is contagious for 5–9days and another 2 days after the disappearance of symptoms.

How to recognize rhinovirus. The leading symptom is a runny nose with profuse discharge of mucus from the nose. Patients may have a reddened throat, a superficial cough may occur. The temperature rises slightly (up to 37.5˚C), signs of intoxication are absent or mild. Adults get sick more often than children. The peak incidence occurs in autumn and spring.

Adenovirus infection

¹⁰

With adenovirus, the duration of the incubation period is 1-12 days. Symptoms can appear from three days to several weeks. Depending on the form of the disease, a recovered person can spread the infection from 3-16 days. In children, this period can increase up to one and a half months, in people with immunodeficiency – up to three months.

How to identify adenovirus. It is transmitted by airborne droplets and household contact – through contaminated household items, toys, surfaces. The disease is manifested acutely – high (more than 38˚C) temperature, often signs of intoxication. The patient is concerned about wet cough and runny nose, conjunctivitis (redness, pain in the eyes, watery eyes), diarrhea. Many have swollen lymph nodes. Children get sick more often. Outbreaks can occur all year round (including summer).

SARS prevention measures

The main route of transmission of viral infections is airborne. When coughing, sneezing and talking, a sick person releases viruses that are contained in particles of saliva and mucus. Due to their very small size (much smaller than bacteria), ARVI pathogens remain longer in the aerosol and spread over long distances (up to 2–3 m). ¹¹

When the aerosol settles, the droplets dry up and most viruses die. But some of them retain viability and pathogenic properties for a long time. For example, adenoviruses can live outside the human body for up to 14 days. ² So, in addition to airborne droplets, the airborne transmission route (by inhalation of dust that contains viruses) cannot be ruled out. Adenoviruses and rhinoviruses can also be spread by contact. The pathogen is transmitted through contaminated hands and household items.

Given the methods of transmission of diseases, during periods of seasonal outbreaks of incidence (for most SARS this is autumn, and for influenza – winter), precautions should be taken.

● Try to reduce the use of public transport and, if possible, avoid crowded places.

● When outdoors, do not touch your face with your hands.

● Wash your hands frequently or treat them with antiseptic solutions.

● At home, regularly carry out wet cleaning, ventilate the rooms.

● Dress for the weather, don’t overcool.

● If someone in the family is already sick, give him a separate room, individual dishes, limit contact with him.

● Try to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat well and consume enough vitamins – this will help maintain a strong immune system.

Briefly about the main

➢ More than 200 ARVI pathogens are known. Respiratory infections caused by different viruses have common features and differences, but the incubation period depends not only on the properties of the pathogen, but also on the characteristics of the body and the strength of the immune response.

➢ Especially dangerous are contacts with a sick person in the first 3 days after infection – it is during this period that symptoms usually appear most clearly.

➢ As symptoms improve, the risk of infection decreases, but finally disappears after about 2 weeks from the onset of the disease, but this period depends on the type of infection.

➢ In order not to get infected during colds, try to avoid crowded places, use a protective medical mask correctly, change it in time, do not touch your face on the street, wash your hands more often and use antiseptics, dress according to the weather and lead a healthy lifestyle.

➢ On indications (after consulting a doctor), take antiviral drugs.

Bibliography:

¹ Kovtun T. A., Tutelyan A. V., Shabalina S. V. Modern ideas about the epidemiology and etiology of acute respiratory diseases of the respiratory tract in children // Epidemiology and vaccine prevention. – 2010. – No. 5.

² Larina V. N. et al. Acute respiratory viral infections and influenza: etiology, diagnosis and treatment algorithm. – RMJ. Medical review. — 11.09.2019. – No. 9 (1).

³ Belan E. B., Sadchikova T. L. Acute respiratory viral infections: an actual look at the problem and a modern approach to treatment // BC. Medical review. — 12/25/2018. – No. 11.

⁴ Instructions for medical use (Nobasit®, film-coated tablets 250 mg; RU: LP-003508 of 03/16/2016)

⁵ Lioznov D.A., Karnaukhova E.Yu., Zubkova T.G., Shakhlanskaya E.V., Evaluation of the effectiveness of the ARVI treatment regimen, including etiotropic (enisamia iodide) and symptomatic therapy // Therapeutic archive No. 3 – 2020 ⁸ Belan Yu.B., Starikovich M.V. Influenza A / California / 2009 (h2N1) in children // Attending physician – No. 10, 2009 – https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=18937511

⁶ Belan Yu.B., Starikovich M.V. Influenza A / California / 2009 (h2N1) in children // Attending physician – No. 10, 2009 – https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=18937511

⁷ Orlova N.