How Long Does the Flu Last – and What Exactly Is It?
According to the CDC, the flu can really take a toll on your health and send you straight to bed. The best way to prevent it is by getting a flu shot every year. But what happens if you catch it anyway? How long does the flu last? What are the signs and symptoms you should expect? Get all your answers here.
What Is Influenza — or Simply, the Flu?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can range from mild to severe. When you get the flu, you may experience some (or even all) of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills (note: not everyone with the flu has a fever)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
How Is the Flu Spread?
Experts believe the flu typically spreads through tiny droplets made when people with the virus cough, sneeze, or talk — especially when those droplets land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. Sometimes (though less commonly), the flu can also spread by touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
As tough as the flu can be, the good news is that most people start feeling better within one to two weeks. Most healthy adults can begin spreading the virus a day before symptoms appear (which makes prevention tricky) and continue to be contagious for about 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin. However, children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for even longer.
How Can I Find Relief?
Here are some helpful tips to feel better while you recover:
- Get plenty of rest: Your immune system needs sleep to help you heal.
- Treat your cough to rest more easily: There are effective cough remedies you can try.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Take an over-the-counter medication. While Axiv products don’t cure the flu, they can help you feel more comfortable. If you’re dealing with a sore throat, runny nose, minor aches, headache, fever, or cough, try AXIV DayTime and AXIV NightTime to relieve flu symptoms throughout the day and night. For the most intense cold and flu symptoms, AXIV DayTime and AXIV NightTime can provide stronger relief.
When to Call Your Doctor
You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- A body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
- A fever that lasts more than three days
- Fever along with severe headache, swollen throat, unusual rash, mental confusion, persistent vomiting, or any other concerning symptoms