Flu: Fast facts and simple steps to stay well

Flu hits quickly and feels worse than a common cold. High fever, body aches, sudden tiredness and a dry cough are classic signs. If you notice these within a day or two, treat it as influenza until proven otherwise.

Why care? Flu can be more than a week of misery and can lead to serious problems for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and anyone with lung or heart disease. Catching it early and acting smart can cut the time you’re sick and lower the chance of complications.

Quick flu facts

Flu spreads easily through droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. You can be contagious a day before symptoms start and up to five to seven days after. Vaccines change yearly to match the most common strains. Antiviral pills, like oseltamivir, work best if started within 48 hours of symptoms.

Testing is simple: rapid tests give results in minutes but aren’t perfect. If you’re at high risk or symptoms are severe, doctors may treat you even if a test is negative.

Practical steps if you get the flu

Rest and fluids matter. Drink water, tea, or broth. Fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen help you feel better. Avoid aspirin in children and teens. Keep room air moist with a humidifier to ease cough and sore throat.

If symptoms start, call your doctor right away if you’re in a high-risk group, if breathing becomes hard, or if symptoms suddenly worsen. Ask about antiviral medication; it can shorten illness and reduce complications when given early.

At home, isolate in one room when possible and use a mask if you must be near others. Wash hands often for 20 seconds and clean surfaces like doorknobs and phones daily.

Watch for warning signs that need immediate care: trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, persistent vomiting, very high fever not responding to medicine, or blue lips or face. In children, look for trouble breathing, poor feeding, or extreme sleepiness.

Prevention is simpler than treatment. Get your annual flu shot. It won’t stop every case, but it lowers the chance of severe illness. Avoid close contact with sick people, cover coughs with your elbow, and practice good hand hygiene. If someone in your household gets sick, consider masks and separate towels to reduce spread.

Travel or work? If you’re contagious, stay home. Employers and schools are more flexible now about remote work and excused absences for illness. Resting not only protects others, it helps you recover faster.

Finally, if you’re unsure what to do, call a nurse line or your clinic. A quick call can tell you if you should come in, test, or start antivirals. Small, early actions often make the biggest difference when it comes to the flu.