How Long Does the Flu Last for?

The flu, or influenza, is a viral illness that affects the upper respiratory system which includes the lungs, throat, nose and sinuses. Each year the flu is a little different than the previous year because viruses mutate. As you become immune to one seasonal flu, the next year you may or may not be infected. The duration and intensity of the symptoms may depend on the strain, your immunity, health and age.

Identification

• The flu usually begins with chills and fever, and then can include nausea, headaches, an over-all feeling of malaise, sore throat and aching muscles. Most people can tell they have the flu simply by the way they feel, but sometimes a blood test or sputum sample is required for verification by a doctor.

Duration

• The flu can last from a few days to a few weeks. The most common and worst symptoms last from about 3 to 10 days. Influenza is very contagious, and is spread by inhaling droplets that are coughed or sneezed out, or by coming into direct contact with an infected person's nasal secretions.

  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that our age and health are factors in how long the flu lasts, and when we are most likely to spread the virus. Healthy adults are most contagious from 1 day before becoming sick and for 5 days after they first develop symptoms. However, young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for more than a week.

Misconceptions

• The flu is a term sometimes misused when applied to stomach viruses or illnesses that involve vomiting and diarrhea. True influenza is an upper respiratory illness caused by strains of the virus. The flu is different from the common cold in that flu symptoms are more severe and affect people deeper down in the upper respiratory system.

Prevention/Solution

• Frequent hand washing is still one of the best ways to help avoid spreading of flu. Instead of coughing into your hand, use a tissue or in an emergency, cough into your bent arm. Vaccines against new strains of flu are available every year and are important for people under the age of 2, over 65 or with compromised immune systems. Hand sanitizers are also recommended, especially in places where soap and water may not be readily available.

Treatment

• Relief can be found with plenty of rest, drinking fluids and by taking pain relievers and decongestants, according to Merckmanual.com. Sometimes an antiviral medicine like Tamiflu is prescribed, but this type of medicine works best if given at the initial onset of symptoms.