• Flu

Flu Recovery Timeline: How Long Does the Flu Last?

Medically reviewed and edited by Dina Whiteaker, APRN

Every year, the flu sweeps across the globe, impacting nearly one billion lives. Among these, up to five million face severe complications — a stark reminder of the virus's lethal potential.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu accounted for 360,000 hospitalizations and 21,000 deaths in the U.S. between 2022 and 2023.

Fortunately, most people will fully recover from the flu, and following the right guidelines can help you feel better sooner.

Continue reading to discover the various stages of the flu, understand what symptoms to expect, identify people at greatest risk, and learn effective flu treatment strategies.

What is the Flu?

Influenza — commonly known as the “flu” — is an infectious illness caused by the influenza virus. This virus mainly targets the upper respiratory tract and, less frequently, the lower respiratory tract, leading to various symptoms.

How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?

The flu is an airborne virus that spreads through respiratory droplets.

These droplets are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks – potentially spreading to others via inhalation or contact with the mouth, nose, and eyes.

Surfaces contaminated with these infectious droplets can also spread the virus.

Determining whether you have the flu can be tricky, as many cases are mild and you may not have any symptoms.

Symptoms of the flu are often nonspecific and can mimic those of other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose.

It's common for healthcare professionals to describe various conditions as having "flu-like symptoms" due to the similarity in their presentations. Respiratory viruses – including the common cold – share many symptoms with the flu and further complicate diagnosis.

The flu usually resolves without treatment, with diagnosis based on symptoms and timing during flu season.

Lab tests – used for uncertain cases or to manage flu outbreaks – can help healthcare professionals distinguish the flu from similar conditions.

What are the common flu symptoms?

• Runny nose

• Muscle or body aches (myalgia)

• Fatigue

• General unwell feeling (malaise)

• Cough

• Fever (over 100℉)

• Headache

• Sore throat

How Long Do Flu Symptoms Last?

Various factors – including age and overall health – influence the duration of flu symptoms and recovery.

Common flu symptoms tend to last about five to seven days in individuals without underlying health issues.

The period of flu recovery may be reduced for those who have received the flu vaccination in the same year.

Specific antiviral medications can also shorten the duration of flu symptoms.

However, several factors can extend the recovery period. Risk factors that may contribute to prolonged illness or flu complications include:

• Very young children

• Individuals over 65

• Those with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Pregnancy

• Obesity

• Malnutrition

What are the Stages of Flu Recovery?

The recovery process from the flu has distinct phases, beginning from the moment of exposure to the virus.

Exposure phase

This is the starting point of infection that occurs when an individual encounters the influenza virus.

It’s typically spread via contaminated surfaces or inhaling airborne droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes. This phase highlights the virus's highly contagious nature.

Incubation period

This is the period between exposure and when you start developing symptoms. During this time, the virus multiplies enough to cause an immune response.

Many flu symptoms either stem from the virus directly harming the body's cells or from the immune system's response to the virus as it replicates. This phase typically lasts 14 days.

Symptomatic phase

Following the incubation period, the symptomatic phase begins, marked by the onset of typical flu symptoms.

During this stage, the immune system releases chemicals known as cytokines, which lead to symptoms like high fever and body aches.

During this highly contagious phase, symptoms like coughing and sneezing spread the virus more widely by releasing infectious particles.

Excess mucus production also contributes to the spread. Symptoms typically last between three and seven days.

Resolution or recovery phase

For most people, flu symptoms resolve without any lasting effects. Yet, a few may face persistent issues like a residual cough or a general feeling of unwellness.

Individuals with chronic conditions could experience a decline in their general health or a worsening of existing comorbid diseases.

These cases may not see a complete recovery after a bout of the flu, raising the risk of additional complications that we will discuss later in the article.

How Do You Treat the Flu?

The flu is often described by healthcare professionals as "self-limited," which means it typically resolves on its own without specific treatments.

For most, managing the flu involves alleviating uncomfortable symptoms.

At-home treatments

• Gargle with salt water: Warm salt water can soothe a sore throat.

• Quit smoking: Smoking can aggravate throat and airway irritation.

• Continue regular medications: Follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding your usual medications.

• Stay hydrated: Fever causes sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

• Tepid water sponging: This is useful for reducing fever in children. Use a sponge dipped in lukewarm water, avoiding ice, cold water, or additives.

• Rest: Adequate rest is essential.

Medications

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): This relieves pain and fever. Aside from intravenous acetaminophen, all other formulations are available without a prescription.

• Ibuprofen (Advil®): This is an OTC anti-inflammatory for pain and fever.

• Antivirals: These are prescription-only medications that are typically not used for mild illness. Antivirals include oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®).

• Aspirin: While found in some OTC flu preparations, aspirin should not be administered to children due to the risk of serious side effects.

• Annual flu vaccinations: This can prevent the flu or reduce its severity.

• Antibiotics: These may treat secondary bacterial infections but don't combat the flu virus directly and should only be used if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

If you have severe symptoms that do not improve with at-home remedies or medication, speak to your doctor.

Flu Complications

The flu can cause several complications, some of which can be severe and potentially fatal. Understanding these outcomes is crucial for those at higher risk.

Some flu complications include:

• Pneumonia

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

• Worsening chronic conditions (heart failure, asthma, COPD)

• Persistent cough/malaise

• Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)

• Secondary bacterial infections

• Multiorgan failure and death

To avoid these complications, people at risk of more severe symptoms or longer recovery times should get vaccinated and seek medical advice for flu symptom relief.

When Should I See a Doctor for Flu Treatment?

Navigating flu treatment requires extra caution for those with specific health conditions, age-related risks, or severe symptoms.

Below are important cases that warrant special attention during flu recovery:

• Pregnancy: Influenza may complicate pregnancy, and medication options are limited. Consult your healthcare provider for treatment advice and gynecological and obstetric assessments if needed. Vaccination is recommended and is safe during any trimester of pregnancy, as endorsed by the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

• Age considerations: The flu poses a high risk for those over 65 or young children, particularly infants under 12 weeks.

• Persistent symptoms: Seek medical advice if your symptoms persist despite home remedies or OTC treatments.

• Lung conditions: Individuals with COPD, asthma, or structural lung disease may need specialized treatments, including steroids or antibiotics.

• Chronic conditions: Diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, kidney disease, or HIV may worsen with the flu. Special care is required when treating these conditions during bouts of severe flu.

• Chronic aspirin use under 20: Extra caution is advised for young individuals on long-term aspirin therapy.

• Decreased consciousness or seizures: Immediate medical attention is needed for anyone experiencing these severe symptoms.

• High fever: A fever of 104 ℉ or uncontrollable fever, especially in children, requires prompt medical evaluation.

• Symptoms of tuberculosis: If you experience chest pain, persistent night sweats, coughing that lasts more than three weeks, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or blood when you cough, seek medical attention.

Where Can I Learn More About Treatments for Flu Recovery?

Are you dreading the flu season? Maybe you’re concerned because you fall into one of the high-risk groups we mentioned in the article. Rest assured, LifeMD can help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of healthcare professionals who can provide a treatment plan and tips to help you ensure a speedy recovery.

Book your appointment today to get started.

Dina Whiteaker, APRN

Dina earned her MSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center before becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has 10ᐩ years of telemedicine experience. Dina is board certified and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

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