Influenza how long

Few common illnesses are more unpleasant than the flu. The aches and pains, chills, fever, and cough are bad enough; add in the other potential symptoms of flu, including runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or sore throat, and you'll want the illness to be over as soon as possible. How long does the flu last?

And does treating flu help make it go away faster? The answers depend on your particular health. The flu—or influenza—is a highly contagious respiratory virus caused by one of three different virus types: influenza A, B, or C. The main way that illnesses like colds and the flu spread from person to person is through the droplets that sick people propel when they cough and sneeze.

You can also get the flu by exposure to saliva passed by routine contact, such as kissing or sharing eating utensils. For most healthy people, the flu is an uncomfortable but short-term illness that resolves itself as the immune system fights it off.

Symptoms usually appear from one to four days after exposure to the virus, and they last five to seven days. For people who've had a flu shot, the symptoms may last a shorter amount of time, or be less severe. For other people, the symptoms may last longer. Even when symptoms resolve, you may continue to feel fatigued. Other symptoms can be: chills aching behind the eyes loss of appetite sore throat runny or stuffy nose.

Having the flu is even more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it. Diagnosing flu Flu, and other kinds of viruses, can only be confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results. What to expect with the flu Symptoms of the flu hit very quickly and may last several weeks.

A bout of the flu typically follows this pattern: Days 1—3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose. Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat.

Day 8: Symptoms decrease. Cough and tiredness may last one to two weeks or more. What about flu complications? The flu can also make some existing medical conditions worse. People at higher risk of severe complications associated with the flu include: pregnant women people aged over 65 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people children under 5 years people with chronic medical conditions. When to seek medical attention See your doctor if you have any concerns.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing chest pain sudden dizziness confusion severe vomiting fever with a rash.

How can I avoid giving the flu to other people? It is important we all play our part in helping fight the flu and to protect our health system. Aside from getting your flu shot, follow these 3 simple steps to stop the spread of the flu: Step 1 - Cough or sneeze into your elbow If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow. Step 2 - Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly Our hands are one of the top spreaders of viruses.

The flu virus is carried in almost invisible droplets from saliva, sneezes, coughs, and runny noses. Influenza Flu. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.

How Flu Spreads. Minus Related Pages. Person to Person People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. When Flu Spreads People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Period of Contagiousness You may be able to pass on flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

It can be tricky knowing when to take a child to the hospital for the flu and when to stay home. Here's what to know. If you're over the age of 65, here's what you need to know about the flu, including symptoms, complications, and prevention.

They also expect to see more flu…. Click to enter Healthline's interactive bathroom, fully stocked with must-haves for this cold and flu season. Have you ever noticed how certain personality traits come out when flu season is upon us? Take this quiz to find out yours. Even if breakthrough infections do occur, getting your flu shot offers many protective benefits, for you and those around you.

Experts say October is a prime month for flu vaccinations, because the shot strengthens your immune system before flu season is fully under way. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. These can include: pneumonia bronchitis sinus infections ear infections These complications can be due to influenza virus in itself or because of a secondary bacterial infection.

Additionally, vaccine effectiveness for influenza A H3N2 viruses has been generally lower. Flu vs.