How long lasts flu

Getting sick with influenza also puts you at risk of other infections. These include viral or bacterial pneumonia which affect the lungs. The risk of complications can be life-threatening. Seniors 65 years and older, very young children, people who have lung or heart diseases, certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk.

Healthy pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy are at greater risk of hospitalization following infection with influenza virus. In Canada, thousands of people are hospitalized and may die from influenza and its complications during years with widespread or epidemic influenza activity. Getting an influenza vaccine can help prevent you from getting sick with influenza and from spreading it to others. Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing or face-to-face contact.

The virus can also spread when a person touches tiny droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person or object and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. An infected person can spread the influenza virus even before feeling sick. These individuals are also more vulnerable to serious flu complications, such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , about , people in the United States need to go to the hospital each year as a result of the flu.

Flu complications are unlikely to resolve on their own, and they can be a medical emergency. They may require a person to stay in the hospital.

It can be weeks or even months before a person recovers from serious flu complications. Unlike the cold and other viruses, which present gradually, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Within a few hours, a person may transition from feeling fine to having a fever and other symptoms.

A high fever occurs more commonly with the flu than with a cold, and it often appears before other symptoms. 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. If the fever only goes away with anti-fever medication, remain at home. 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. The best and most effective treatment for the flu is an antiviral flu drug. 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? Take this quiz to find out yours. Even if breakthrough infections do occur, getting your flu shot offers many protective benefits, for you and those around you. Experts say October is a prime month for flu vaccinations, because the shot strengthens your immune system before flu season is fully under way. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.

These can include: pneumonia bronchitis sinus infections ear infections These complications can be due to influenza virus in itself or because of a secondary bacterial infection.

Additionally, vaccine effectiveness for influenza A H3N2 viruses has been generally lower. Flu vs. How long are you contagious? Treatment and home remedies.

When to seek help. Based on the latest medical advice the preferred minimum interval between vaccinations for COVID and the flu is now 7 days. Their immune system will fight the infection and symptoms will usually clear up on their own. If you think you have the flu, try to rest, maintain a good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. This will help you recover and prevent dehydration. See your doctor if you have any concerns.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:. If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow. Antiviral medications, if started in the first 2 days after symptoms start, can shorten the length of your illness.

These need to be prescribed by your doctor. Decongestants and simple pain relievers can help you feel better while your body's immune system fights off the infection. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Around 75 per cent of Melbourne's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions. Anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that occasionally infects humans.

The Western obsession with cleanliness may be partly responsible for the increase in allergic asthma and conditions such as rhinitis. Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.

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