how does the course of the flu go

Influenza

viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.

Full Answer

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 

Do other respiratory viruses circulate during the flu season?

Do other respiratory viruses circulate during the flu season? While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October.

How long does it take for flu symptoms to appear?

Flu symptoms usually start within one to four days after infection. Unlike a common cold, the effects of an influenza virus infection can come on very suddenly. The first signs of the flu are often a fever or chills, accompanied by headache, sore throat, dry cough, runny nose, muscle aches,...

How long does the flu last?

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.

How does the flu go through your body?

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by flu viruses. The viruses pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth. It can also be acquired from contaminated surfaces. Between 5 percent and 20 percent of people in the United States get the flu each year.

How long does a flu take to clear?

You should begin to feel much better within a week or so, although you may feel tired for much longer. You'll usually be most infectious from the day your symptoms start and for a further 3 to 7 days. Children and people with weaker immune systems may remain infectious for longer.

When are flu symptoms the worst?

The symptoms tend to peak between days 2 and 4. By day 5, some people begin to feel better. A few feel well enough to return to work or school. However, it is important to stay at home for 24 hours after a fever breaks.

How long does influenza A last 2022?

How Long Does It Last? Most symptoms get better after about 5 days. But sometimes they can last for a week or more. Even if your fever and aches are gone, you can still feel drained for a few weeks.

How can I make my flu go away faster?

12 Tips for a Speedy Flu RecoveryStay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner. ... Hydrate. ... Sleep as much as possible. ... Ease your breathing. ... Eat healthy foods. ... Add moisture to the air. ... Take OTC medications. ... Try elderberry.More items...

How can I get rid of the flu faster?

In this ArticleStay home and get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids.Treat aches and fever.Take care of your cough.Sit in a steamy bathroom.Run the humidifier.Try a lozenge.Get salty.More items...•

Why does flu get worse at night?

At night, there is less cortisol in your blood. As a result, your white blood cells readily detect and fight infections in your body at this time, provoking the symptoms of the infection to surface, such as fever, congestion, chills, or sweating. Therefore, you feel sicker during the night.

Can you recover from flu in 3 days?

Symptoms of the flu can appear quite suddenly and intensely, so it is common to be fine one day and then be out of action the next day with the flu. The most severe symptoms generally last 2 to 3 days – the start of the flu is when the infection is at its worst, so the symptoms are at their most severe.

Will flu go away on its own?

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.

At what stage is the flu contagious?

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.

What are 5 symptoms of the flu?

People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:fever* or feeling feverish/chills.cough.sore throat.runny or stuffy nose.muscle or body aches.headaches.fatigue (tiredness)some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

What do I eat when I have the flu?

The best foods for fighting the fluBroth. Broth is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it helps prevent dehydration. ... Chicken soup. ... Ice pops. ... Fruits and veggies with vitamin C. ... Leafy greens. ... Fruit or vegetable juice. ... Herbal tea. ... Garlic.More items...•

Can I recover from flu in 2 days?

Symptoms of the flu can appear quite suddenly and intensely, so it is common to be fine one day and then be out of action the next day with the flu. The most severe symptoms generally last 2 to 3 days – the start of the flu is when the infection is at its worst, so the symptoms are at their most severe.

What are 5 symptoms of the flu?

People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:fever* or feeling feverish/chills.cough.sore throat.runny or stuffy nose.muscle or body aches.headaches.fatigue (tiredness)some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Is there such a thing as a 24 hour flu?

What's the outlook? The 24-hour flu is a highly contagious and short-lasting condition that's caused by infection with a virus. The term “24-hour flu” is a bit of a misnomer, as the viruses that cause the condition aren't related to the flu virus. Additionally, symptoms can last longer than 24 hours.

Why does flu get worse at night?

At night, there is less cortisol in your blood. As a result, your white blood cells readily detect and fight infections in your body at this time, provoking the symptoms of the infection to surface, such as fever, congestion, chills, or sweating. Therefore, you feel sicker during the night.

What is the peak month of flu activity?

The “peak month of flu activity” is the month with the highest percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza virus infection during that influenza season.

When do viruses circulate?

Do other respiratory viruses circulate during the flu season? While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October.

Is influenza reporting voluntary?

All influenza activity reporting by states, laboratories, and health care providers is voluntary. For more information about CDC’s influenza surveillance activities, see the Overview of Influenza Surveillance in the United States.

How long does a flu-like infection last?

Tonsillitis is very common, especially in smaller children. It lasts for about one to two weeks and is mainly characterised by severe sore throat. Adults sometimes get pneumonia in addition to the common cold. Pneumonia is mainly manifested by coughing and respiratory problems. It may last for several weeks.

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

Cold and other viral infections have a relatively short incubation period. After the viruses have entered the body, it usually takes about two to eight days for the first symptoms to appear in the case of a cold.

How long does it take to recover from a cold?

This is a strain on the body. If you exert your body additionally during this time, the power used for this is missing, simply put, in the defence against the cold. Recovery can take many weeks or even months. Doctors call this a chronic cold.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms can vary from person to person, but most people with influenza will experience some degree of fever, chills, headaches, body aches, congestion, coughing, and fatigue. While the symptoms are similar to a cold or upper respiratory tract infection, the main difference is that flu symptoms hit you quickly.

How long does it take for the flu to go away?

For most people, flu symptoms resolve in one to two weeks. Complications are typically mild, such as sinus or ear infections. The flu can, however, be serious and life-threatening. In fact, there are 12,000 to 61,000 deaths from influenza in the United States each year. 3 

What is the body's defense against the flu?

A fever is the body’s defense against the flu virus. Viruses thrive at a normal body temperature of 98.6 F, and while uncomfortable, running a fever helps your body fight off the flu. Whether or not to treat the fever depends on how high the temperature is and the person’s age. 2

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

Symptoms can begin between one and four days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. Even though you’re most contagious after your illness begins, it is possible to give the flu to someone else before you realize you’re sick. 4

How to reduce fever in adults?

Use these tactics: Consider appropriate fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen (over the age of 6 months), or aspirin (in adults only) 2 . Try a lukewarm bath or sponge bath. Avoid bundling up, as this can increase your body temperature.

What is a low grade fever?

A low-grade fever (98.7 to 100.4 degrees F) is typically not a concern for adults or most children. It may be best to let a mild fever run its course. However, if you are very uncomfortable or the fever reaches 102 degrees F, bringing the fever down slightly is advised. Use these tactics:

Is coughing a productive thing?

Coughing may be productive (producing mucus) or non-productive. With the flu, people most often have a dry cough .

How do influenza A and B viruses change?

How the Flu Virus Can Change. Influenza viruses can change in two different ways—antigenic drift and antigenic shift. Transmission of Influenza Viruses from Animals to People. Influenza A viruses also are found in many different animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, ...

Where are influenza A viruses found?

Influenza A viruses also are found in many different animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, whales, horses and seals. “Antigens” are molecular structures on the surface of viruses that are recognized by the immune system and are capable of triggering an immune response (antibody production).

What are the two main types of influenza?

There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types A and B . The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza A viruses can be broken down into sub-types depending on the genes that make up the surface proteins.

How long does the flu last?

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.

What to do if you have the flu?

If you get the flu, you should get rest and drink plenty of fluids. Take pain relievers to lower your fever and relieve the aches, such as:

How to predict how long the flu will last?

To better predict how long the flu will last, take steps to reduce your risk of contracting the virus and experiencing severe symptoms. Consider the following steps, as suggested in the Harvard Special Report A Guide to Women's Health: Fifty and Forward. Get an annual flu vaccine. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating ...

What are the risks of the flu?

Some people are at increased risk for complications from influenza. These people include: 1 the very young 2 people 65 or older 3 people with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, HIV, or diabetes 4 pregnant women 5 people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

Do smokers get the flu?

Smokers are more likely to get the flu than nonsmokers. These steps won't guarantee that you'll escape the flu this year, but they may help prevent it. And they may help reduce the amount of time the flu lasts if you do become infected with the virus. – By Heidi Godman. Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter.

How long does it take for the flu to go away?

Most people who come down with the flu experience mild illness that usually runs its course within a week or two. In this case, a trip to the doctor might not be necessary.

How many weeks postpartum are you at risk for the flu?

You’re at a higher risk of flu complications and should seek medical treatment right away if you fall into one of these categories: women who are up to two weeks postpartum . children younger than 5, but especially those younger than age 2.

Can you reappear after a fever has subsided?

Your symptoms shouldn’t reappear after they’ve subsided. A high fever and a severe cough that produces green or yellow mucus are possible signs of an infection such as pneumonia.

Can you vomit if you have the flu?

Vomiting depletes your body of fluids, making it difficult to get well from the flu. Because of this, you should call your doctor to get examined. Vomiting or not being able to keep liquids down could also be a sign of sepsis, a serious flu-related complication. If not treated immediately, sepsis can lead to organ failure.

Can you breathe with the flu?

Being sick with flu shouldn’t affect your breathing. It could be a sign of a something more serious, such as pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious complication of flu. It causes up to 49,000 deaths.

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

Flu symptoms usually start within one to four days after infection. Unlike a common cold, the effects of an influenza virus infection can come on very suddenly. (2) The first signs of the flu are often a fever or chills, accompanied by headache, sore throat, dry cough, runny nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. (2)

How to tell the difference between a cold and a flu?

A cold and the flu are both respiratory infections, but they’re caused by different viruses. A cold can be caused by more than 200 distinct viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while there are only a handful of viruses that cause the flu.

What Are the Stages of a Cold?

Cold symptoms can differ from person to person, but they generally appear about one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. In most cases, cold symptoms will peak within two to three days. (1)

What if a Cold or the Flu Won’t Go Away?

When complications develop, a person will likely be sick for longer than a week or two, depending on the severity of the complication, how quickly a person receives treatment for it, and how well the patient responds to treatment.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

The most common cold symptoms include fatigue, sore or scratchy throat, nasal congestion or stuffiness, and a runny nose, followed by sneezing and coughing. Fever is not typical with a cold, but a low-grade fever isn’t out of the question, according to the Merck Manual. ( 3)

How long does a cough last?

(1) Symptoms usually disappear in 4 to 10 days, although a cough often lasts into the second week. (3) A cold may last longer or be more severe in people who have chronic health issues. (1)

How to avoid passing germs on to other people?

Staying home until your contagious period has likely passed will help you avoid passing germs on to other people.

How to help a person with the flu?

If you do come down with the flu, these measures may help ease your symptoms: Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection. You may need to change your activity level, depending on your symptoms.

What to take for achiness from influenza?

Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to combat the achiness associated with influenza.

How long should you stay home with a fever?

To help control the spread of influenza in your community, stay home and keep sick children home until fever has been gone for 24 hours. Avoid being around other people until you're feeling better, unless you're getting medical care. If you do need to leave your home and get medical care, wear a face mask.

Do you need to be tested for influenza?

During times when influenza is widespread, you may not need to be tested for influenza. Your doctor may diagnose you based on your signs and symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you be tested for influenza. He or she may use various tests to diagnose influenza. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is becoming more common in many ...