The Flu Shot Is Really The Only Way To Shorten The Duration Of The Infection
The colder months are synonymous with flu season. Even though there are several health threats around right now, it's still important to know the signs and symptoms of the flu so you can get to a doctor if necessary and make sure you don't give it to others. And if you do come down with the virus, one of the main questions you might have is how long does the flu last?
First, let's get the timeline straight: Flu season occurs in fall and winter and typically peaks in February and December, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And this year's flu season is already rearing its head.
"This is shaping up to be a severe flu season," says Neha Vyas, MD, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic. "There are more positive flu cases this year and also much earlier in the season than what’s been seen in more than a decade."
So far, there have been at least 880,000 flu illnesses, 6,900 hospitalizations, and 360 deaths from the flu this year alone, the CDC reports. While most people associate the flu with a bad cold and take it to mean they are down and out for a few days, it can actually be life-threatening.
"The flu, before the COVID pandemic, killed between 35,000 and 50,000 persons in the U.S. each year, usually about 200 children and the rest older persons, often with pre-existing conditions," says Susan E. Hassig, DrPH, MPH, an associate professor within the epidemiology department at Tulane University's School of Public Health. Pregnant women are also at higher risk for severe flu.
So, when it comes to the flu, you don't want to mess around. Here's how to recognize whether you caught the virus, how long the symptoms last, and what you can do to prevent getting sick in the first place.
Meet the experts: Neha Vyas, MD, is a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic.
Susan E. Hassig, DrPH, MPH, is an associate professor in the department of epidemiology at Tulane University.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
If you think you have the flu, the symptoms can vary somewhat, says Dr. Hassig. But generally they include sudden high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and nasal congestion or a runny nose.
"In severe cases, pneumonia, shortness of breath, cardiac problems, and inflammation of the brain can also develop, and generally require hospitalization and may result in death," notes Dr. Hassig.
How do you actually get diagnosed with the flu?
If you really want to find out if you have the flu, you may have to get tested for an official diagnosis.
"There are a number of different tests, similar to the methods used for SARS-CoV2 (antigen detection, rapid PCR, etc.) that can be done in a clinic setting (doctor's office, urgent care, or the ER)," explains Dr. Hassig. "But many clinicians will make a determination of influenza on the basis of patient symptoms only (perhaps after doing a test for SARS-CoV2), especially when we are in flu season."
So, how long do flu symptoms typically last?
For most adults and teens, the flu lasts for five to seven days, says Natasha Bhuyan, MD, an infectious disease specialist and family physician in Phoenix, Arizona. In children, flu symptoms like cough and fatigue can last two weeks.
One thing that can help shorten the flu's duration if you do get it is the flu shot. It can't completely protect you from the flu, but it greatly reduces your chances of getting the virus, and makes the whole experience less miz if you do. It's especially important for pregnant women and seniors to get the flu shot since the symptoms can last longer and be more dangerous for them (more on that below).
How long are you contagious when you have the flu?
Most people with the flu are contagious even before they show symptoms—for about a day or so, in fact, says Dr. Bhuyan. Teenagers and adults are the most contagious around three to four days into their illness, but can continue to be contagious for about a week after symptoms appear. Infants and older adults (with weaker immune systems) can be contagious even beyond a week after they show symptoms. These periods when you're contagious without appearing sick are what make the flu so easy to spread (again, this is why getting a flu shot is so important!).
The number one thing you can do to prevent the spread of the flu is to stay home and isolate yourself from others when you're feeling sick (even in the beginning, when you're just a little under the weather but suspect you might be getting sick). Take that time to stay in and rest up as much as you can.
What can make the flu worse or more dangerous?
The flu might not seem like a big deal to you, but it certainly can be for others. Flu symptoms can be more dangerous in certain populations, such as people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children under the age of 5, people in long-term care facilities, seniors, or those with underlying lung issues, like asthma.
If you're pregnant, flu symptoms are more likely to be severe because of changes that occur in a woman's immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy. This makes pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to serious complications that can result in hospitalization, according to the CDC.
The flu may also be harmful for a developing baby, as having a fever while you’re pregnant can be associated with neural tube defects and other serious complications, per March of Dimes. This is why it’s especially important to get your flu shot if you’re pregnant, as it will also protect your baby from the flu after birth, since you’ll pass your antibodies onto them during pregnancy (very cool!).
People over 65 are also at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, since the strength of your immune system decreases as you get older, according to the CDC. In fact, the CDC estimates that between 70 to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 50 and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among older adults.
Again, staying home and resting is key when you have the flu. Trying to push through your symptoms will only make you more fatigued and it will take longer for you to recover. Hydration is also particularly important, and if you exercise too much during the flu, this could be dehydrating, says Dr. Bhuyan.
“Anything that adds additional strain to your body can potentially delay your recovery from the flu. This includes things like not getting enough sleep, not staying hydrated, pushing yourself to continue to work, or even strenuous exercise,” she says. “That being said, people have different severities of the flu and if someone has a mild case, it's okay for them to do light exercise in their home, away from others, while ensuring they are taking good care of the rest of their health as they recover.”
How can you get over the flu more quickly?
First of all, give your immune system all the support you can. “To ensure your immune system is functioning at its best, be sure to stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and eat mostly natural plant-based foods,” says Dr. Bhuyan.
There are many over-the-counter products that can provide symptom relief while you have the flu, like fever-reducing medication. There is also a prescription anti-viral medication that can shorten the duration of the flu and might be appropriate for certain people—just ask your doc if it's right for you, says Dr. Bhuyan.
How can you protect yourself from the flu?
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot, says Dr. Bhuyan. Anyone older than six months can get it. You should also wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue and immediately throw it away. Avoiding sharing foods, cups, or utensils with anyone as well.
“If you have flu-like symptoms, avoid going to work or school. The same things that prevent the spread of COVID can also reduce the risk of flu transmission, such as masks and social distancing,” says Dr. Bhuyan.
When should you see a doctor if you think you have the flu?
In prior years, many people with mild flu symptoms were able to recover at home without much intervention, says Dr. Bhuyan. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important from a public health perspective to understand if you have the flu or COVID-19, as management options may be different. “During COVID-19, anyone with flu-like symptoms should reach out to their family physician virtually to discuss if they should get any diagnostic testing for the flu or COVID,” says Dr. Bhuyan.
“Most family physicians have virtual care options and they can advise any diagnostic testing or management,” she explains. “Your family physician can also provide you with guidance on how long to quarantine or isolate and when you can return to work or school.”
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