The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a flu virus. In the United States, the seasonal outbreak of flu is primarily caused by the human influenza A and B viruses. Another well-known strain is H1N1, often referred to as "swine flu."
Flu season typically occurs from October to March, although it can extend through May. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the peak of flu activity is usually between December and February.
While most healthy individuals recover from the flu within a few weeks, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing severe complications, such as pneumonia, which may require hospitalization. These high-risk groups include children under 5 years old, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.
Flu symptoms are similar to those of a common cold but can be more severe. They may include sudden onset of illness, fever, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, body aches, tiredness or fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children). Not everyone with the flu will experience all these symptoms, and the duration of each symptom can vary.
During the flu season, a clinical diagnosis may be made based on your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination by your healthcare provider. There are also tests available, such as rapid influenza diagnostic tests, which can provide results within approximately 15 minutes. These tests typically involve swabbing the inside of your nose or the back of your throat to obtain a sample for on-site testing.
Antiviral drugs can be used to treat the flu. It is recommended to start these medications within two days of experiencing symptoms. Therefore, if you suspect you have the flu, it is important to visit a healthcare professional promptly to begin antiviral treatment. These drugs can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the duration of illness by one to two days. Even if the two-day window is missed, individuals at high risk of complications should still consider taking antiviral medications.
Note: Antiviral drugs are distinct from antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections. Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective in treating it.
While your body fights the flu, there are several measures you can take to support your immune system and alleviate symptoms:
It may take up to three weeks to fully recover from the flu. Fatigue and a slight cough may persist for weeks after the initial illness. Allow yourself ample time to rest and recuperate.
Although most people recover completely, the flu can lead to secondary infections such as ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. If you experience worsening symptoms after three to four days or notice new symptoms like ear pain or persistent coughing, seek medical care promptly, as these could indicate a secondary infection.
To prevent the flu, one of the most effective measures is getting a flu shot annually, preferably in September or October before flu season begins. The flu virus is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. Additionally, flu viruses can survive on surfaces such as doorknobs or cell phones for up to 24 hours.
During flu season, there are additional precautions you can take to safeguard yourself:
Furthermore, if you or your children have the flu, it is crucial to minimize the spread of illness to others. Here are some measures you can adopt:
By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect yourself and others during flu season.
Colds and the flu are viral illnesses that can sometimes be challenging to distinguish. Our informative chart below outlines the symptoms of colds and the flu, highlighting the differences in how these symptoms manifest for each condition.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| FEVER | rare occurrence | usually present |
| ACHES | slight aches and pains | severe aches and pains |
| CHILLS | rare | common |
| TIREDNESS | slight to moderate | moderate to severe |
| ONSET | over a few days | sudden |
| COUGHING | mucus-producing | dry, no mucus |
| SNEEZING | common | not typical |
| STUFFY NOSE | common | not typical |
| HEADACHE | common | common |