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.
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 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.
Young, healthy people probably don't need to be treated for influenza. It will simply run its course in a few days. Over-the-counter medications for symptoms may be helpful. The very young and old and those with other medical problems may benefit from being treated with antiviral medications.
When will I come out of the flu? After about 4 days, you'll probably start to feel better. Your fever should be lower and your body aches should have lessened. Your cough may be worse, but this can be a sign that you're getting better.
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...
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.
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...•
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.
Classically, the flu starts with a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscles aches, mild headache and fatigue. You may have other symptoms like a runny nose and cough, too. You feel lousy and you feel lousy fast.
For people who do not develop serious flu complications, symptoms usually last 3–7 days . Some people find that their symptoms get better and then worse again or that they are worse at certain times of the day, such as in the morning.
Individuals with suspected or confirmed flu, who do not have a fever, should stay home from work at least 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Persons with the flu are most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness.
During this time you will most likely be confined to bed with fatigue, weakness, and a high fever. You usually have symptoms for around 3 to 7 days – once you're through the worst of the flu, you will still have some lingering symptoms to recover from, which can include a dry cough, fatigue, and weakness.
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.
Flu Day 1. The second stage of the flu is actually day one. You may wake up feeling fine, but feel progressively worse as the day goes on. ... Flu Day 3. The third day is often the worst flu stage. This is the day when many symptoms are the most intense. ... Flu Day 5. By day five, you should be starting to feel better.
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.