Common flu symptoms include:
Severe flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure or even death, may occur in certain cases. The flu may also make chronic medical conditions worse. If you have any underlying conditions, talk to your doctor to see if your condition raises your risk for flu complications.
In addition, some flu symptoms can look like COVID-19. If you think you might have COVID-19, start a risk assessment now.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person, normally through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it, then touching their mouth or nose.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
First, and most importantly: Get a flu vaccination as soon as it is available. In addition to being vaccinated, you should take everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses like influenza.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following these steps to protect your health:
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness. If you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care provider, or start a video visit or eVisit. Your provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Yes. Oseltamivir, zanamivir and baloxavir marboxil are available to treat influenza. However, most people with mild flu cases do not require antiviral drugs, which is a kind of medicine used specifically to treat viral infections. Antivirals should only be considered for those sick enough to be hospitalized or those at a higher risk for complications due to an underlying condition, like lung disease or a weakened immune system. Your healthcare provider will decide whether or not your illness requires antivirals.
Since the flu is a virus, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics. Learn more about the different germs in your body and when antibiotics are prescribed.