Flu stages follow a relatively predictable timeline.
It can also help you figure out if you are still contagious and able to infect others.
Even so, you are technically contagious on Day 0.
Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health
Flu Day 1
Day 1is when the body mounts an aggressive immune defense.
It does so by releasing proteins calledantibodiesthat coordinate the immune attack and triggerinflammation.
Inflammation helps neutralize the virus but also causes uncomfortable symptoms like heat, swelling, and pain.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
This is especially true if you haveasthmaor are at high risk of flu complications.
Flu Day 3
Day 3is often described as the worst stage of the flu.
This is the day when many symptoms are at their most intense.
Inflammation of the nasal passages and pharynx can cause severe congestion and sore throat.
Persistent high fever can make it difficult to even lift your head.
In small children especially, vomiting or diarrhea can occur.
At this stage, the immune system will have gained control over the virus.
You may start to feel a little better but probably too weak to do anything but sleep.
Your fever will likely have broken, and you shouldn’t have as many body aches.
Any congestion should start to loosen as well.
Even so, the aftermath of the infection can manifest with other symptoms.
Even if your fever has broken, it is important to stay in bed and get plenty of fluids.
By the end of the day, you may start to feel worse again and your fever may return.
Flu Day 5
Day 5is the stage where active recovery begins.
At this stage, your fever should be gone.
You should also have less congestion but will still likely have a cough.
You may even find yourself coughing upphlegm(sputum) or becoming hoarse from all of the coughing.
Flu Day 6
Day 6is when you should be well enough to get out of bed.
Flu Day 7
Day 7is the stage when most people can confidently go out into public.
Even so, you should continue to take standard precautions to protect others around you.
Cover your mouth while coughing and sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
Wash your hands immediately after, and disinfect any surfaces with a general-purpose cleaner.
This may be caused when the lingering virus moves into the lungs.
While most cases of acute bronchitis are relatively mild, they can cause alingering wet coughthat persists for weeks.
Severe cases should be seen by a healthcare provider.
Flu Day 8
Day 8is typically the “all-clear” day for most people, including children.
Most people should be well on their way to recovery and will likely no longer be contagious.
Don’t be distressed if you feel out of sorts and have a lingering cough for another week.
This is not uncommon.
Your body is still recovering and can tire easily.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most people recover from the flu at home with conservative treatment.
If you or your child has the flu, watch out for signs of severe illness.
Day 1 to day 3 is characterized by the abrupt onset and worsening of symptoms.
Day 5 to day 6 is when most people start to feel notably better.
By day 8, most people will have recovered and no longer be contagious.
However, some may still have a lingering cough and fatigue.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pinkbook: influenza.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.People at higher risk of flu complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How flu spreads.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What you should know about flu antiviral drugs.
The do’s and don’ts to help you get better and protect others when you have a virus.
University of California San Francisco Health.When to call your doctor about the flu.
