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, COVID vs. flu, 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.
So, how long does influenza 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.
Unfortunately, in most cases, you have to just ride out the flu. Even a day before any of your 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:
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.
Suddenly, you may feel ill. The flu is unlike a cold, where you slowly start to feel sick.
Symptoms that may appear:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The flu sometimes comes with complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. These issues can lead to long periods of hospitalization and even death if left untreated. Influenza can lead to secondary infections that can cause issues like dehydration, acute lung injury, septic shock, respiratory failure, and multi-organ failure.
Those who are at higher risk for the flu potentially turning deadly include:
Starting in September, you can get your flu shot. Because the flu strain changes each year, it’s recommended that you get a new shot 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
As we head into flu season, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between COVID and the flu. Both spread differently and have different severity levels, depending on the individual and their health issues. Experts have found that COVID-19 is more contagious and spreads more quickly than the flu. It can take longer to experience COVID-19 symptoms than it might if you had the flu.
Other differences between the two:
Like the flu, the same individuals are at a higher risk of complications: pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The severity of both conditions can be reduced by getting the appropriate vaccine.
Related: 10 Flu Shot Facts to Share With Employees Before Flu Season Hits
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:
If you can schedule a virtual health visit with your doctor 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!