what should i expect over the course 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. *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

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What are the symptoms of the flu on the first day?

Aug 31, 2021 · Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse Seizures Not urinating Severe muscle pain Severe weakness or unsteadiness Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen Worsening of chronic medical conditions

How to tell if you have a cold or flu?

Dec 08, 2016 · 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 best treatment is to take steps to prevent illness.Few common illnesses are more unpleasant than the flu.

What should I do if I have flu symptoms?

Mar 27, 2020 · A bout of the flu typically lasts for several days or occasionally weeks, with severe symptoms subsiding in two to three days. However, weakness, fatigue, dry cough, and a …

How long does it take to recover from flu?

Nov 18, 2021 · Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu.

How do you know when flu is over?

Your fever is probably gone. You should have less congestion but may still have a cough. Continue to stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. If you are not starting to feel better by day five and your symptoms are getting worse, call your healthcare provider.Oct 7, 2021

How long does it take your body to get over the flu?

In general, healthy people usually get over a cold in 7 to 10 days. Flu symptoms, including fever, should go away after about 5 days, but you may still have a cough and feel weak a few days longer. All your symptoms should be gone within 1 to 2 weeks.May 18, 2021

What are the stages of the flu virus?

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.

How do you regain strength after the flu?

Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.Stay 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 long does it take for Covid symptoms to appear?

When do symptoms start after being exposed to COVID-19? Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. However, it sometimes takes longer — up to 14 days — so it is recommended you wear a mask and minimize close contact with others for at least 10 days after the last day of exposure.Jan 20, 2022

How do you tell if the flu is turning into pneumonia?

Pneumonia can develop and become a serious complication of the flu....Pneumoniasevere cough with large amounts of mucus.trouble breathing.shortness of breath.severe chills or sweating.fever higher than 102°F (38.9°C) that's not going away, especially if you also have chills or sweating.chest pains.

What are the stages of Covid symptoms?

Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.Oct 19, 2021

Is coughing the last stage of the flu?

Although fever and the most severe symptoms typically resolve within a week, some people have low energy for up to 2 weeks, and it is possible to experience a cough for up to 8 weeks. The flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu but does not eliminate it.

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 c...

What Are The Stages of The Flu?

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 v...

How Long Is The Flu Contagious?

A 2013 survey conducted by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases revealed that 41 percent of people think the flu is only contagious afte...

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...

How Long Does Immunity Last?

With some viral illnesses, once you have been infected with it or have been vaccinated against it, you're immune for life.With the flu, however, im...

What should I do when I'm sick?

What should I do while I’m sick? Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.

Can the flu cause death?

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death . Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Can you go to the emergency room if you are sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, ...

Can you take Aspirin with the flu?

CDC also recommends that children and teenagers (anyone aged 18 years and younger) who have flu or are suspected to have flu should not be given Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any salicylate containing products (e.g. Pepto Bismol); this can cause a rare, very serious complication called Reye’s syndrome.

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

How long does it take for a flu shot to show symptoms?

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 take for fever and aches?

Take pain relievers to lower your fever and relieve the aches, such as: If you are at high risk of complications, and if it is early in the infection, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug for treating flu, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu, generic versions).

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 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 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)

What happens if you have a phlegm infection?

As the illness progresses, a person may have warm, flushed skin, watery or bloodshot eyes, a severe cough that produces phlegm, and nasal congestion. Nausea and vomiting may also occur, especially among children, according to the Merck Manual. ( 4)

What are the signs of a symtom?

Signs of severe complications that should prompt you to seek medical attention include the following, according to the CDC ( 6 ): Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Purple or blue discoloration of the lips. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.

How long can you be sick from a complication?

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 the flu?

One symptom of the flu is a high fever, which can lead to sweating. You might also be dealing with bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Your body needs plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids, and even more to fight off the infection.

How to fight off the flu?

Stay 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. You may be tempted to go grocery shopping or get ahead on laundry for the week, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice.

What is the cold and flu aisle?

The cold and flu aisle of your local drug store is most likely packed with hundreds of different options. Some medications are used to deal with specific symptoms, like nasal congestion, while others treat many flu symptoms at once. Pain relievers help reduce a fever, headache, and body aches.

How to get rid of a stuffy nose and cough?

Go to bed earlier than usual and sleep in. You can also take a nap during the day to give your body more time to recover. Rest and sleep also reduces your risk of serious flu complications, like pneumonia. 4. Ease your breathing. It can be difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and cough.

How to prevent spreading the flu?

The flu can be dangerous for older adults and small children, so it’s vital that you avoid contact with others while you’re contagious. 2. Hydrate.

What foods help you recover from the flu?

You may be tempted to drown your sorrow in a bowl of ice cream and a bag of potato chips, but your body needs better nutrition to recover from the flu. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system as it fights off the virus.

Is it bad to watch Netflix while fighting the flu?

Sleep is the best medicine for your body while fighting the flu. Watching TV curled up on the couch isn’t a bad idea, but you shouldn’t be binge-watching your favorite Netflix show all night long.

What is the best way to protect against the flu?

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.

What factors determine a person's suitability for a flu shot?

Factors that can determine a person’s suitability for vaccination, or vaccination with a particular vaccine, include a person’s age, health (current and past) and any allergies to flu vaccine or its components. For more information, visit Who Should and Who Should NOT get a Flu Vaccine.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

In addition to body aches, common flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may have a fever, and less commonly, vomiting or diarrhea. 4.

How long does it take to recover from the flu?

It should take three to seven days to recover from the flu if you have no other health issues. 11 However, older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions may recover more slowly and are at risk for complications and additional health problems.

How to get rid of the flu?

Get Plenty of Rest. Sleep plays a big role in regulating many of the immune functions that are necessary for healing and reducing inflammation in the body. 6 Painful body aches may even make resting uncomfortable, but forcing yourself to relax when you have the flu is important. Getting as much sleep and rest as you can gives your body ...

How to prevent the flu from spreading?

Use a Vaporizer or Humidifier. Dry air can increase your risk of catching flu-like pathogens or make your flu symptoms worse. When a flu virus enters your respiratory tract, it gets caught in mucus, which helps prevent infection from spreading.

How to get rid of a fever when you're sick?

When you're sick with a flu or fever, your body tends to lose a lot more fluids due to excess sweating, and in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea. Drinking lots of clear liquids to restore bod ily fluids is an important part of helping your body fight infection.

What does it mean when you have a fever and you have a leg cramp?

You have muscle weakness or cannot move part of your body. You have vomiting, a stiff neck, and fever. Some people, especially children, may experience very painful leg cramps with the flu. Leg cramps can be so painful that walking is difficult or accompanied by a limp.

Is it normal to have a swollen muscle when you have the flu?

Although body aches are normal with the flu, if they become more severe than you would expect, you should contact your doctor. 2. You should also seek medical attention for muscle aches if: There are signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, around a muscle.

How long after flu symptoms do you see a doctor?

A child with a high fever will require medical attention. People should try to see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms appear, as this is when antiviral treatments are most effective. It is also important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days or new symptoms, such as ear pain, appear.

How long after fever breaks can you go to work?

a sore throat. vomiting. congestion. 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.

Why is it important to tell your doctor about your previous health problems?

It is important to tell the doctor about any previous health problems or drug reactions because some people experience side effects when they take anti-flu drugs. Antibiotics cannot treat the flu. The flu is a virus, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

What is the fever of a child?

muscle pain is unbearable or severe enough to prevent walking. a child develops a fever above 104°F. when breathing, a child or infant makes loud sounds or pulls in the muscles around their ribs. a person has seizures, loses consciousness, seems confused, or is unable to communicate effectively.

How old does a baby have to be to have a fever?

a baby under the age of 12 weeks develops a fever. symptoms of chronic medical conditions get worse. there is intense dizziness that does not go away after a few hours. a person stops urinating or urinates very rarely. symptoms get better but then return later and are worse.

Is it bad to be sick on day 7?

By day 7, most people feel significantly better, although some are still sick. It is not unusual for the flu to last longer than a week, so slow healing is not necessarily a bad sign. However, if the symptoms continue to get worse after a week, it may be best to see a doctor.

Can you recover from the flu?

Children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems are much more vulnerable to flu complications. People should take the flu seriously by resting and avoiding public places until their symptoms disappear. With rest and medical care, it is possible to recover even from serious complications.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Days 1 and 2: Stuffiness, Sore Throat, and Runny Nose. “Although you can have a cold start with a number of different symptoms, the most common first symptoms are congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, signs that the virus is directly affecting your respiratory system,” says Nathan Favini, MD, an internist and the medical director ...

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

Yep, those are the first symptoms of a cold, which typically appear in adults about one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.

How long do allergies last?

Symptoms commonly associated with allergies, which can last months, include: Symptoms of a sinus infection, which can last anywhere from one to three months or more, can include: If you suspect allergies or a sinus infection, Dr. Glatt recommends seeing your doctor to get a complete evaluation.

How long does sinus infection last?

Symptoms of a sinus infection, which can last anywhere from one to three months or more, can include: 1 Nasal congestion 2 Sore throat 3 Pressure or pain around the eyes and forehead 4 Fatigue 5 Fever

How long does it take to recover from a cold?

The average duration of a cold is 7 to 10 days, and most people recover without any specific treatment. But cold symptoms may last longer or become more severe in people who have immune problems or other underlying health issues, such as diabetes, says Soma Mandal, MD, an internist with the Summit Medical Group in New Jersey. If you have a medical condition that puts you at increased risk for complications, reach out to your healthcare provider.

How to prevent spreading of a syphilis infection?

So it’s important to prevent spreading the infection by washing your hands frequently, fully covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and not touching others if at all possible.

Can you get a cold in the spring?

Keep in mind that while seasonal colds peak in the winter and spring, it is possible to get one any time of the year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cold symptoms vary from person to person and can include: Sore or scratchy throat. Stuffy or runny nose. Sneezing.