How long the flu last

If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:. If you come down with the flu, your symptoms will typically resolve on their own within a week. Prescribed antiviral medication may reduce this duration. But if you have a high risk for complications or start to experience the more severe symptoms outlined above, contact your doctor right away.

H1N1 symptoms can present differently in adults and children. We'll go over symptoms to watch for in both groups, as well as how to recognize signs…. During flu season, having a scratchy throat, body aches, or fatigue can signal the arrival of the flu virus. Detecting early flu symptoms can help….

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? 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. Flu viruses can live on surfaces such as lift buttons or handrails for up to 48 hours and are spread when people touch an infected surface. Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — especially if you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.

Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all infections. Related information. From other websites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A study published in March in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases confirmed that immunity declines over the months following vaccination or infection. Getting vaccinated every year is important to lower your likelihood of getting the flu.

It takes about two weeks to develop immunity to the flu, and experts recommend getting vaccinated before flu season is in full swing to ensure adequate protection. But if you actually have the flu, you can get very sick. There is no cure for a cold, the CDC says — it will get better on its own. People with health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease that put them at at high risk for flu complications should seek treatment right away.

As for home remedies, there is evidence that zinc , taken by mouth in the form of lozenges, tablets, or syrups, can help reduce the length of colds if taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH. The NCCIH adds that zinc can cause nausea and gastrointestinal issues, and that it can interact with other medication, such as antibiotics.

Acetaminophen Tylenol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen Advil, Motrin, and Ibuprin are effective treatments for fever and aches caused by either a cold or the flu. People with either illness should also be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: March 27, Medically Reviewed. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking.

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. Most people will make a full recovery and won't experience any further problems, but elderly people and people with certain long-term medical conditions are more likely to have a bad case of flu or develop a serious complication, such as a chest infection.

Read more about the complications of flu. The flu virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes. These droplets typically spread about one metre. They hang suspended in the air for a while before landing on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours. Anyone who breathes in the droplets can catch flu.

You can also catch the virus by touching the surfaces that the droplets have landed on if you pick up the virus on your hands and then touch your nose or mouth. Everyday items at home and in public places can easily become contaminated with the flu virus, including food, door handles, remote controls, handrails, telephone handsets and computer keyboards. Therefore, it's important to wash your hands frequently. You can catch flu many times because flu viruses change regularly and your body won't have a natural resistance to the new versions.

You can also help stop the spread of flu by avoiding unnecessary contact with other people while you're infectious. You should stay off work or school until you're feeling better. In some people at risk of more serious flu, an annual flu vaccine or antiviral medication may be recommended to help reduce the risk of becoming infected. Read more about how to stop the spread of flu. The symptoms of flu usually develop within 1 to 3 days of becoming infected.

Most people will feel better within a week. It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have flu or just a cold , as the symptoms can be quite similar. The main differences are:.

If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there's usually no need to visit your GP if you have flu-like symptoms. You should just rest at home until you feel better, while keeping warm, drinking plenty of water and taking painkillers if necessary. Read more about how to treat flu. In these situations, you may need extra treatment to prevent or treat complications of flu.

Usually, you can manage flu symptoms yourself at home and there's no need to see a GP. Most people feel better within a week. You should consider seeing your GP if you're at a higher risk of becoming more seriously ill.

This includes people who:.