during the course of the flu when are you contagious

People with the flu are the most contagious the first three to four days after they were infected, per the CDC

, which can coincide with the incubation period. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others starting the day before they show symptoms, and continue to be infectious up to seven days after they become sick, the CDC adds.

Full Answer

How long should I Stay Home with a cold or the flu?

Sep 09, 2020 · Experts say the first 3 to 4 days of illness mark the most contagious period for influenza. How long is the flu contagious after the fever breaks? Many people believe that they’re no longer contagious for flu after their fever breaks, but you shouldn’t use fever as the yardstick to measure contagiousness.

What are the early signs of the flu?

Dec 24, 2021 · Adults are most contagious with the flu from 24 hours before symptoms start to three to five days afterward. Children can spread the virus for longer—up to 10 days, and sometimes even beyond that. People who have serious immune system problems can spread influenza for weeks, or even months, after they get it.

What do you do when you feel the flu coming on?

Aug 27, 2018 · People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an …

When are you most likely to catch the flu?

Nov 09, 2020 · Like COVID, you can spread the flu to other people before symptoms appear. Most people begin to be contagious 1 day before they start feeling sick, and continue to be for 5 to 7 more days (young children and those with weakened immune symptoms may be contagious for even longer). You may be most contagious during the first 3-4 days of illness ...

How contagious is COVID-19 compared to the flu?

Is COVID-19 more contagious than the flu? For both COVID-19 and flu, it's possible to spread the virus for at least 1 day before experiencing any symptoms. But, if a person has COVID-19, they may be contagious for a longer time period than if they had flu.Jan 13, 2022

How far away do I need to stay away from someone sick with COVID-19 in my household?

If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.

Can you get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time?

Yes. It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.Oct 25, 2021

Are influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 caused by different viruses?

Influenza (the flu) and COVID-19, the illness caused by the pandemic coronavirus, are both contagious respiratory illnesses, meaning they affect your lungs and breathing, and can be spread to others. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can look similar, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses.Feb 23, 2022

What is considered a close contact of someone with Covid-19?

For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).

How long can Covid-19 stay airborne?

Transmission of COVID-19 from inhalation of virus in the air can occur at distances greater than six feet. Particles from an infected person can move throughout an entire room or indoor space. The particles can also linger in the air after a person has left the room – they can remain airborne for hours in some cases.Dec 15, 2021

Will the flu vaccine protect me against Covid-19?

No. Flu vaccines do not protect against COVID-19. Flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death in addition to other important benefits.Apr 14, 2022

Is fever one of the symptoms after the Covid-19 vaccination?

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building immunity.

What are the uncommon symptoms of Covid-19?

Some uncommon symptoms found in COVID-19, but reported during acute illness include congestion or runny nose, skin rashes and eye issues (including conjunctivitis, eye pain and light sensitivity).Jun 17, 2021

What is the origin of the virus that causes Covid-19?

SARS-CoV originated in bats and was transmitted to humans via civet cats [3] while MERS originated in camels [4]. While it is currently unknown the precise route by which SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted from animals to humans, it is argued to have a bat origin [1,5].Mar 17, 2021

Is Covid-19 caused by a virus or a bacteria?

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria.

What other illnesses are caused by coronaviruses?

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

How long does it take for the flu to start?

The typical flu incubation period—the time between exposure and the start of symptoms—is between 24 hours and four days, with the average being two days. This means that if you are exposed to the influenza virus and become infected, you will start to experience flu symptoms, such as fever and body aches , anywhere between 24 hours and four days after the exposure. 1 

How does the flu spread?

Influenza is spread through droplets, which means if you cough, sneeze, or get any droplet matter from your respiratory system onto anything, 3  it can be spread to someone else. This can happen in two ways.

What to do if you are at high risk for the flu?

Antiviral Medications: If you're at high risk for complications from the flu and you know you were exposed to it, talk to your healthcare provider about taking antiviral medications. It can help prevent influenza in some people and will reduce the severity of the symptoms in those who do get it.

Why do you need a humidifier in the winter?

This is one of the reasons that they're more common during the winter. Running a humidifier in your home during the winter can help keep your nasal passages moist. And while there's no guarantee that this will prevent you from getting sick, it can't hurt (as long as you keep it properly cleaned).

What to do if you get sick?

If you do get sick, stay home. Know when to call in sick to work , wash your hands frequently, and make sure those that come into contact with you do the same. Cover your cough and do everything you can to avoid being around people that are at high risk for serious complications from the flu.

How long does it take for a virus to show symptoms?

If that person's immune system isn't able to kill off the virus, he or she will develop symptoms within one to four days of being infected. They are also now spreading the virus themselves, even before symptoms start. How Germs Are Transmitted.

What to do if you get the flu shot?

Quick Flu Shot Facts Everyone Should Know. If you are exposed to someone with the flu, avoid close contact with the person and wash your hands frequently . Vitamin C: Although vitamin C is widely used and has many benefits, there is no scientific proof that it will help you avoid an illness such as the flu or a cold.

How long does it take for the flu to spread?

When Flu Spreads. People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

How far away can you get the flu?

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away . Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Can you pass the flu to someone else?

That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those people may still spread the virus to others.

How long is a person contagious?

You may be most contagious during the first 3-4 days of illness because that’s when you’re coughing and sneezing the most. Whenever you cough and sneeze, you expel droplets containing the virus. If someone nearby breathes in one of those droplets, they could get the flu, too.

How long does it take for the flu to spread?

Like COVID, you can spread the flu to other people before symptoms appear. Most people begin to be contagious 1 day before they start feeling sick, and continue to be for 5 to 7 more days (young children and those with weakened immune symptoms may be contagious for even longer). You may be most contagious during the first 3-4 days ...

Why is the flu more common in winter?

Flu is more common in winter because people spend more time in close contact with each other, so the virus spreads more easily. 5 / 12.

What does it feel like to be sick?

You typically start to feel bad quickly instead of over time. You may have a high fever, headache and muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and tiredness. You also might have a runny or stuffy nose, chills, headache, and nausea or vomiting.

How to get rid of a stuffy nose?

Get lots of rest. Drink plenty of clear fluids -- water, broth, and sports drinks -- so you don't get dehydrated, too. You can also try a humidifier or saline spray to help with a stuffy nose. Gargle with salt water for a sore throat.

Why is it important to prevent the spread of the flu?

Preventing the spread of flu is more crucial than ever this year because it’s possible to become infected with both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which could be deadly. Even an otherwise healthy person’s immune system may not be able to fight off two respiratory viruses at once.

How long does it take for antiviral medication to work?

Antiviral Treatment. These prescription pills work best if you take them within the first 48 hours of feeling bad. The medicine can make your symptoms less severe or shorten them 1 or 2 days. Antiviral drugs include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza).

How long does it take for the flu to incubate?

How long is the incubation period of the flu? There's no exact time frame that's the same for every person with the flu but, in general, the CDC says that the incubation period of the flu can range between one and four days, with the average length of time being two days. People with the flu are the most contagious the first three ...

How many people died from the flu in 2019?

During the 2019-2020 flu season, for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there were up to 56 million illnesses, 740,000 hospitalizations, and 62,000 deaths from the flu in the US.

Is the flu contagious?

Influenza, aka the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by several flu viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Can you spread the flu to other people?

Unfortunately, that also means you can spread influenza to plenty of other people during this time—again, without having a clue that you even have the flu in the first place. It's known as the flu's incubation period, and "it's a big reason why the flu is so easily spread," Kathryn Boling, MD, a primary care physician at Baltimore's Mercy Medical ...

How long is a person contagious after a symtom?

Once you develop symptoms, you’ll still be contagious for another five to seven days. Trusted Source. . Children, older adults, and those with a weakened immune system may be contagious for a longer period of time.

How long does it take for the flu to spread?

Remember, the average incubation period for the flu is about two days. So, if you come into contact with virus on Saturday morning, you can potentially start spreading it to others by Sunday evening.

How do you know if you have the flu?

It’s often hard to know when you have the flu coming on. Unlike the symptoms of the common cold, which develop gradually, the symptoms of the flu often come on suddenly. The common symptoms of the flu can include: fever. headache.

How long does the flu last?

chills. feeling fatigued, tired, or weak. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting, or ear pain when they have the flu. Symptoms of the flu typically last anywhere from three to seven days. Trusted Source. , thought you might feel lingering fatigue or weakness for up to two weeks.

How can you get the flu?

The virus can also be transmitted through coming into contact with objects or surfaces, such as a door handle or keyboard, that are coated in these respiratory particles. If you touch a contaminated object and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you may get the flu.

How to reduce the risk of getting the flu?

Try to limit your contact with others until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

How long does it take for the flu to show symptoms?

Once you’ve encountered the virus, it can take between one and four days to develop symptoms. Once you have the virus, you’ll be contagious starting about a day before you notice symptoms.

How long can you be contagious with the flu?

People with the flu may be contagious anywhere between the day before to seven days after their symptoms appear.

How does the flu spread?

The flu virus spreads via tiny water droplets that are expelled when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These particles can land in the mouths or noses of those who are nearby. A person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. 2 .

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Headache, sudden high fever, body aches, chills, and tiredness are among the most common initial symptoms of the flu. 2 . Once you realize you may be sick with the flu, call your doctor, especially if you have asthma or an other condition that puts you at higher risk for related complications.

What happens on day 4 of a cough?

Congestion may be starting to loosen up, making your cough more productive and possibly worse than the day before. 5 

What happens if you wake up on day 7?

When you wake up on day seven, you are likely feeling better, but still not 100% . If you do not feel like you are on the road to recovery, or you felt better briefly but then get sick again, call your doctor.

How long does it take to get antiviral medication?

Getting antiviral medications within the first 48 hours of symptom onset can help prevent complications and shorten the duration of your illness. 3 .

Is it bad to have the flu on the second day?

The second day with the flu is pretty miserable—so bad you may not be able to get out of bed. Congestion, coughing, and fever may have you feeling like even your eyelids hurt. At this point, you are still contagious.