There’s no getting around it: the flu is no fun.
No matter which stage of the flu you’re in, feeling better ASAP is a priority. That takes rest and time, of course.
When that first day of flu illness hits, it’s normal to wonder: how long is this going to last?
This post will provide details on daily symptoms, the importance of the flu vaccine, and a timeline of what to expect as this common illness progresses.
Below, get a day-by-day timeline of how long you’ll feel crummy and tips for a faster recovery.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
Flu, or influenza, is an infectious disease that affects your nose, throat, and lungs — basically, the parts of your body that help you breathe. It's caused by a virus and is different from the stomach flu, which can make you feel sick to your stomach. So, when we talk about the flu, we mean the kind that gives you a fever and cough and makes you feel really tired.
So, how long does the flu actually last? Some people may answer with, “too long.”
While it may feel like an eternity when you’re sick, in reality, it’s between three to seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re generally healthy, an uncomplicated case of the flu is short-lived, but a cough and weakness can last up to two weeks.
The Different Types of Flu
When it comes to flu season, it's important to know that not all flu viruses are the same. The flu can come from different strains of the influenza virus, and some can make us feel sicker than others.
There are four types of flu viruses: A, B, C, and D. The ones we hear about most, especially during flu season, are Influenza A and B. These two types are the culprits behind those flu outbreaks that make a lot of people sick, which is why getting the flu shot each year is so important.
Influenza A is one of the most common types of the flu, and it can be more serious than other strains. This type of flu can lead to stronger flu symptoms like a high fever, body aches, and a cough that sticks around. Some subtypes of Influenza A can even make you feel sick for a longer time.
Influenza A is also the only type that can cause flu pandemics. This happens when a new type of Influenza A shows up that can spread easily between people, and since it’s so new, most of us don’t have much immunity to it. This is another reason why the flu vaccine is vital — it helps build immunity and reduce the spread of these viruses.
Influenza C is much milder and doesn’t usually lead to widespread sickness, so it’s not something we worry about as much. And as for Influenza D, it mainly affects cattle and other animals, but it doesn’t infect people.
Stages of the Flu
Unfortunately, in most cases, you have to just ride out the flu. Even a day before any of your flu symptoms show, you could be carrying — and spreading — the flu virus. That’s why it spreads so rapidly during flu season, which runs from October to May here in the United States.
Here’s a breakdown of the stages of the flu in an uncomplicated case:
Flu Day 0
This is when some people are actually contagious, yet feel fine. You can be out and about doing your normal activities without even knowing you’re sick. You most likely contracted it from someone within the last 48 hours.
Days 1-3
Suddenly, you may feel ill. The flu is unlike a cold, where you slowly start to feel sick.
Symptoms that may appear:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
During the first day of illness, you may feel fine while carrying on your normal activities to quickly feeling exhausted and running a fever. High fevers that come on quickly are more indicative of flu than a cold.
Day 4
You may notice a dip in fever and less muscle achiness. A cough and sore throat are normal at this point. Extreme tiredness with some chest discomfort may also make you want to stay in bed and rest all day.
Day 5
Things should be looking up. If a fever lingers or you’re feeling a lot worse, call your doc. A secondary infection may have popped up — like bronchitis — which will require antibiotics.
Day 6 and Beyond
At this point, your symptoms should be leveling off. You should be feeling like you’re on the mend. Lingering symptoms like a cough and tiredness may stick around for upward of two weeks.
Every person experiences illness differently. Some people may just have chest discomfort and a cough. Others may have a stuffy nose, sweating, chills, nausea, and more. Staying hydrated and resting will help reduce symptoms.
Recognizing Flu Symptoms: What to Look Out For
When flu season rolls around, it’s important to know the signs so you can take care of yourself and your loved ones. The flu can sneak up on you quickly, and knowing what symptoms to watch for can help you catch it early and help with disease control.
Q: How can I tell if I have the flu?
A: The flu usually hits you hard and fast. You might feel fine one day and then suddenly feel really sick the next. Flu symptoms include:
- Fever: You might feel really hot or have chills.
- Body Aches: Your muscles might feel sore all over.
- Tiredness: You could feel super tired, even if you’ve had plenty of rest.
- Cough: A dry or hacking cough is common with the flu.
- Sore Throat: Your throat might hurt when you swallow.
- Headache: A headache can be one of the first signs.
- Runny or Stuffy Nose: Your nose might be blocked up or constantly running.
Q: How is the flu different from a common cold?
A: Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if you have the flu or just a common cold. They can both make you feel unwell, but there are some key differences, according to Mayo Clinic. The flu usually makes you feel much worse than a cold and comes on faster. If you suddenly feel very tired, have a high fever, and ache all over, it's more likely the flu. A cold usually comes on slowly and has milder symptoms, like a runny nose and a sore throat.
Remember, if you’re ever unsure about how you’re feeling, it’s always a good idea to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Potential Complications
Influenza sometimes comes with severe illness, like bronchitis or pneumonia. If left untreated, these issues can lead to long periods of hospitalization and even death. Influenza can lead to secondary infections that can cause issues like dehydration, acute lung injury, septic shock, respiratory failure, and multi-organ failure. That's why monitoring severe symptoms closely and focusing on disease control is so important.
Those who are at higher risk for the flu potentially turning deadly include:
- Pregnant women
- People over the age of 65
- Kids under five years old
- Individuals with chronic health issues
Starting in September, you can get your flu shot. Because the flu strain changes each year, it’s recommended that you get a new flu vaccine to have immunity against the current season’s flu. While it’s never a 100% guarantee you won’t get the flu, it does reduce symptoms greatly and offers high levels of protection.
Related: Here’s How to Protect Your Remote Employees This Flu Season
Flu Recovery Tips
Options for flu treatment and recovery vary. Depending on how you’re feeling and your past experience with the flu, you have some options.
Here are some treatment and recovery options to consider:
- Rest - First and foremost, staying at home, away from others, and resting is one of the most important flu recovery tips. You need all your energy focused on getting better. That may mean ordering groceries or take-out, getting a friend to run by the pharmacy for you, or even canceling long-standing events on your calendar.
- Treat with an antiviral med - If you test positive for the flu, you may have an option for antiviral drug treatment. Popular options like Tamiflu are known to shorten the length of influenza by up to two days. It can also reduce serious flu complications, too. These antiviral drug options can be particularly helpful for those who may have a serious underlying health concern. Remember, antibiotics won’t help the flu.
- Stay hydrated - Drinking plenty of fluids is key to thinning mucus and feeling better, faster. Being dehydrated can cause headaches and further body aches. Water, tea, and broths are great for hydration. An electrolyte drink can help if you’ve been vomiting.
- Wash your hands - If you live with others, keep the infection from spreading by staying in one room. Washing your hands frequently and after blowing your nose or touching your face can prevent the infection from spreading to others.
- Use a humidifier - If you’re congested and having trouble sleeping, a humidifier is a great way to loosen mucus and help you breathe easier. Be sure to change the water daily to avoid mold from growing inside the container. Nasal strips may also make you feel more comfortable if you’re congested.
If you can schedule a health visit with your doctor or urgent care clinic within 48 hours of symptoms arriving, you may be able to get an antiviral prescribed. Skip waiting for a doctor’s appointment and get to the ER if you can’t urinate, intense dizziness doesn’t stop, breathing becomes labored, or your chronic medical conditions get worse.
Need some advice to kick the flu even faster? Check out our post on The Best Home Remedies for Flu and Cough Worth Trying!
Editors Note: This post was revised in August 2024 to provide additional clarity and updated information.
