How long does the flu last? Discover the typical duration of flu symptoms, when you’re most contagious, and how to prevent spreading the virus.

Understanding Flu Season and Severity

Flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter months, with cases usually peaking in February and December. This year’s flu season is already shaping up to be particularly severe, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting at least 880,000 flu illnesses, 6,900 hospitalizations, and 360 deaths so far.

“This is shaping up to be a severe flu season,” says Neha Vyas, MD, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic. “There are more positive flu cases this year and also much earlier in the season than what’s been seen in more than a decade.”

The flu can be life-threatening, particularly for certain high-risk groups. “The flu, before the COVID pandemic, killed between 35,000 and 50,000 persons in the U.S. each year, usually about 200 children and the rest older persons, often with pre-existing conditions,” says Susan E. Hassig, DrPH, MPH, an associate professor at Tulane University’s School of Public Health.

Recognizing the Symptoms of the Flu

The symptoms of the flu can vary somewhat, but generally include sudden high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and nasal congestion or a runny nose. In severe cases, complications like pneumonia, shortness of breath, cardiac problems, and brain inflammation can develop, often requiring hospitalization and potentially resulting in death.

How can you get an official flu diagnosis? “There are a number of different tests, similar to the methods used for SARS-CoV2 (antigen detection, rapid PCR, etc.) that can be done in a clinic setting (doctor’s office, urgent care, or the ER),” explains Dr. Hassig. “But many clinicians will make a determination of influenza on the basis of patient symptoms only (perhaps after doing a test for SARS-CoV2), especially when we are in flu season.”

The Typical Duration of Flu Symptoms

For most adults and teens, the flu lasts for five to seven days, says Natasha Bhuyan, MD, an infectious disease specialist and family physician in Phoenix, Arizona. In children, flu symptoms like cough and fatigue can last up to two weeks.

One thing that can help shorten the flu’s duration if you do get it is the flu shot. While it can’t completely protect you from the flu, it greatly reduces your chances of getting the virus and makes the experience less severe if you do contract it. This is especially important for pregnant women and seniors, as the flu symptoms can last longer and be more dangerous for these high-risk groups.

How Long Are You Contagious with the Flu?

Most people with the flu are contagious even before they show symptoms—for about a day or so, in fact, says Dr. Bhuyan. Teenagers and adults are the most contagious around three to four days into their illness, but can continue to be contagious for about a week after symptoms appear. Infants and older adults (with weaker immune systems) can be contagious even beyond a week after they show symptoms.

These periods when you’re contagious without appearing sick are what make the flu so easy to spread. That’s why getting a flu shot and staying home when you’re feeling sick, even at the first sign of symptoms, is so important to prevent passing the virus on to others.

Preventing the Spread of the Flu

The number one thing you can do to prevent the spread of the flu is to stay home and isolate yourself from others when you’re feeling sick (even in the beginning, when you’re just a little under the weather but suspect you might be getting sick). Take that time to rest up and recover.

In addition to getting the flu shot, other preventive measures include washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette by covering your mouth and nose.

Seeking Medical Attention for the Flu

While the flu is usually not life-threatening for healthy individuals, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or are in a high-risk group. Seek immediate medical care if you experience difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, sudden dizziness, or confusion.

Remember, the flu can be a serious illness, so it’s important to take it seriously and take steps to prevent the spread of the virus. By understanding the typical duration of flu symptoms and how to recognize when to seek medical care, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season.

Key Takeaways

• This year’s flu season is shaping up to be particularly severe, with higher case numbers and an earlier start than in over a decade.
• Flu symptoms can include sudden high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Severe cases can lead to complications like pneumonia, shortness of breath, and brain inflammation.
• For most adults and teens, the flu lasts for five to seven days, while in children, symptoms can last up to two weeks.
• People with the flu are contagious even before showing symptoms and can continue to be contagious for about a week after symptoms appear, making the flu easy to spread.
• The best ways to prevent the spread of the flu are to get the flu shot, stay home when sick, wash your hands frequently, and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.