The flu is an illness you get from the influenza virus. It causes symptoms like head and body aches, sore throat, fever and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe. Flu is most common in winter months, when many people can get sick at once (an epidemic).
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu usually come on quickly, and can include:
The influenza virus causes flu. Influenza A, B and C are the most common types that infect people. Influenza A and B are seasonal (most people get them in the winter) and have more severe symptoms. Influenza C doesn’t cause severe symptoms and it’s not seasonal — the number of cases stays about the same throughout the year.
Yes, the flu is contagious (it spreads from person to person). For every person infected, they spread the flu to one to two more people.
How does the flu spread?
The influenza virus spreads from direct or indirect contact with someone else who’s infected. Common ways to get the flu include:
From someone nearby coughing, sneezing or talking. Droplets can either get onto your hands or move through the air to get into your nose or mouth. The flu then moves into your lungs.
By touching a surface that’s contaminated by the flu virus, then touching your face, nose, mouth or eyes. This includes things like door knobs, desks, computers and phones.
By touching the hands or face of someone who has the flu, then touching your face, nose, mouth or eyes.
How long after exposure will I get the flu?
If infected, you’ll usually get symptoms of the flu one to four days after exposure (incubation period).
How is the flu treated?
Providers can treat the flu with antiviral medications under certain circumstances. Antivirals can reduce your risk of severe illness and shorten the amount of time you’re sick. Many people can treat the flu without prescription medications. Providers prescribe antivirals if you:
Have had symptoms for under 48 hours. Antivirals are less likely to work if you start them after two days of symptoms. The virus has already made more copies of itself and your body has started to fight it off with its own antibodies.
Have an underlying condition or are at risk for severe illness. Providers may prescribe antivirals even if you’ve had symptoms for longer than 48 hours.
Have severe symptoms, even if you’ve been sick for longer than 48 hours.
Live with or care for people who are at risk for severe complications of the flu.
What medications treat the flu?
Antiviral drugs for influenza include:
Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®). You take oseltamivir by mouth as a pill or a liquid. You usually take it for several days.
Zanamivir (Relenza®). You breathe zanamivir in through your mouth with an inhaler. You usually have to take it for several days. Zanamivir isn’t recommended for people with breathing issues, like asthma or COPD.
Peramivir (Rapivap®). Your provider gives you peramivir directly into your veins using an IV. You usually only need one dose of peramivir.
Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®). You take baloxavir marboxil by mouth as a pill or a liquid. You only take one dose. Baloxavir isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, hospitalized or have certain medical conditions.
Tell your provider about any health conditions you have before starting an antiviral medication.
Side effects of treatment
Each antiviral medication has different side effects, but common ones include nausea and diarrhea. Inhaled medications can cause spasms that tighten and narrow your airways (bronchospasm).
How do I manage symptoms of the flu?
Many people can manage the symptoms of flu at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other therapies, including:
Getting plenty of rest.
Drinking fluids like water or broth to help prevent dehydration.
Applying heat packs or hot water bottles can help with aching muscles.
Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or NSAIDs (Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®) can help lower your fever and relieve head and body aches.
Using spray or oral decongestants like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can help with a runny or stuffy nose.
Taking cough suppressants (antitussives) like dextromethorphan can help calm a nagging cough.
Using expectorants like guaifenesin make it easier to clear mucus out of your lungs.
Not everyone should take certain OTCs, so check with your provider before you use them. It’s also a good idea to make sure certain medications are okay to use together or with supplements. Don’t give aspirin to children under the age of 16 unless their provider says it’s okay.
How is the flu diagnosed?
Your provider diagnoses the flu by listening to your symptoms and testing a sample of mucus from your nose. They’ll put a long stick with a soft tip (swab) in your nose to test for influenza. Results may take a few minutes or your provider may send the sample to a lab, where you’ll get results in a day or two.
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