Seeking antiviral flu treatment within a few days of symptoms can shorten your illness.
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Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms can vary from person to person.
For example, some people will develop a fever with the flu, while others will not.
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The table below outlines the main differences between the flu, cold, and COVID-19 symptoms.
What Causes the Flu?
The flu is a respiratory infection triggered by two viruses, influenza A and influenza B.
The viruses pass between humans and, in some cases, from animals to humans.
The viruses can spread fast across the globe, especially flu A.
Influenza C only causes mild infections in people, and influenza D primarily affects cattle.
Only influenzas A and B are known to cause flu pandemics and regularly cause seasonal epidemics every winter.
Influenza A is the only bang out of flu that causes pandemics.
It can affect adults and children but tends to be more severe in adults.
Flu B only affects humans and, more commonly, infects children.
While it usually has mild symptoms, it can have more severe effects on kids under age 5.
Anyone nearby who inhales the droplets and takes in the virus can get sick.
The virus can also live for a time on surfaces.
If one person sneezes or coughs the droplets may land on a surface.
Or, a person with a flu infection may sneeze into their hand, and then touch an object.
In both cases, the virus spreads to people who touch the area before the virus dies.
When Is Flu Season?
Flu season runs from October through May.
However, cases typically peak between December and March, with the most illnesses frequently reported in February.
Flu often causes ear and sinus infections.
If you have a chronic health condition, the flu can make your symptoms worsen.
Your risk of developing complications is higher if you:
How Is the Flu Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve been sick.
Visit your healthcare provider as soon as symptoms begin to get a prescription.
Avoid contact with others unless you require medical care.
If you’re in a high-risk group or develop warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
Make a warm saltwater mix to gargle and soothe a sore throat.
If you’re congested, it may help to keep a humidifier going by your bed at night.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
How Long Is the Flu Contagious?
The most contagious period is the first three to four days after you start feeling sick.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent flu is getting an annualflu shot.
Annual vaccines are designed around these data.
Regardless, all flu vaccines in the United States protect you against three different flu viruses.
Flu shots work by causing your body to produceantibodieswithin two weeks of receiving the shot.
These antibodies fight off the flu virus after you’re exposed.
Older individuals are at a higher risk for complications from the flu.
Annual flu shots are available at many pharmacies, grocery stores, and primary care offices.
How Effective Are Flu Vaccines?
Summary
The flu virus causes mild to severe symptoms that usually appear suddenly.
Your healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral medication to help you feel better faster.
However, you must see your provider in the first few days after your symptoms appear.
Other than antiviral medication, the only flu treatment is self-care.
You should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.
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