In most cases, flu symptoms should resolve within about a week. However, a person may be more likely to spread symptoms one day before developing symptoms and up to seven days after.

Influenza, commonly referred to as “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an uncomplicated influenza infection will last from three to seven days in most people, including children. However, a cough and feelings of weakness or fatigue can last for two weeks or longer.

You may feel a constant sense of exhaustion that prevents you from completing your usual daily activities.

Learn more about how long flu symptoms typically last, treatment options that can help, and when you should seek medical help.

It may take one to four days after exposure to the influenza virus for symptoms to develop. You might first experience symptoms like general low energy or body aches.

If you have the flu, you’ll be more likely to pass the virus one day before developing symptoms and up to five to seven days after becoming ill.

Younger children or people with a weakened immune system may be contagious for longer.

The influenza virus can also survive on surfaces, such as doorknobs and tables, for up to 24 hours. Viruses live longer on materials such as stainless steel, plastic, and other hard surfaces.

To avoid transmitting the virus to others, it’s important to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face or mouth.

Although different influenza strains don’t generally affect the duration of illness, some strains can cause more severe illness than others.

Influenza A (H3N2) viruses have been associated with higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths in older adults compared to other human influenza subtypes or strains, such as influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B.

Flu vs. cold duration

Despite having some overlapping symptoms, colds and the flu are two separate illnesses. Colds are typically milder than the flu. Cold symptoms will typically resolve in about a week and tend not to come on as fast as the flu. Flu symptoms may last for a couple of weeks.

Receiving the flu vaccine can help prevent influenza infection from occurring in the first place. It can also decrease the severity and duration of symptoms and help prevent the virus from spreading. The vaccine won’t give you the flu.

If you have the flu, it’s important to get plenty of rest. The CDC recommends staying home for at least five days after your symptoms first appear, even if you don’t have a fever.

It is also important to drink plenty of liquids. Even if you aren’t thirsty, try sipping on a glass of water or tea throughout your day.

Taking over-the-counter pain and fever relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), can also help relieve your symptoms.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication if you have a higher risk of complications. This includes:

  • older adults
  • children under the age of two
  • people with kidney or liver disorders
  • people with a weakened immune system
  • pregnant people
  • people with heart disease
  • people with asthma

Antiviral medications can reduce the length of your illness and may help prevent complications. To be effective, antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

If you have the flu and are at a higher risk of developing complications, consider speaking with a primary care doctor.

If you feel too unwell to attend an appointment in person, consider asking for a telehealth appointment. A doctor can still assess your symptoms through specific questions over the phone or via video call, and can even send your prescription electronically to your chosen pharmacy.

Most flu symptoms will typically resolve within a week. However, the flu can cause serious complications in groups with known risk factors or people who have preexisting conditions.

If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately:

Adults

  • difficulty breathing
  • chest pain
  • seizures
  • a fever that is worsening or keeps coming back
  • severe weakness
  • severe muscle pain
  • worsening of existing chronic conditions

Infants and children

An infant or child may experience the same above symptoms as an adult, as well as:

  • bluish lips or face
  • not alert when awake
  • fast breathing
  • ribs pulling in with each breath

It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not conclusive. You or your child may experience symptoms outside of this list that are still an emergency. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or are concerned about your health, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.

If you come down with the flu, your symptoms will typically resolve on their own within a week. Prescribed antiviral medication may reduce this duration.

If you have a high risk for complications or start to experience the more severe symptoms, you should speak with a doctor immediately.