Influenza commonly circulates in the United States between October and April. More information on flu vaccines and other flu control measures is available on the Flu.gov website. Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick. Dr. Mossad says that after recovering from the flu, your timeframe for returning to normal work and school activities may depend on your job and how frequently you interact with people. Most people become contagious 1 day before symptoms appear. A. Remember that you are still contagious, so try to stay away from other people. Some schools and workplaces have specific guidelines for when you can return to work after the flu or other sicknesses. Yes, shake liquid Tamiflu well each time before you give it. You should always seek a healthcare professional if you or your child has symptoms that are severe or unusual, such as shortness of breath or a high temperature, especially in children under six months of age, said Pittman. A. You should have less congestion but may still have a cough. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. You Can Have the Flu and a Negative Rapid Flu Test. Sometimes, that pesky bug gets through anyway, though. The contagious period for the flu begins about 1 day before symptoms start and can last as long as 5-7 days from when you first felt sick. They are available to answer any questions and give you the support and resources you need to help you and your family get better. Tamiflu has been shown to lessen the amount of time people are sick with the flu. Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We talked with infectious disease doctor Sherif Mossad, MD, about flu contagion and how to keep from sharing your flu germs. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Symptoms of influenza usually appear 1-4 days after exposure.How long can a person spread influenza?Persons are most contagious during the 24 hours before symptoms appear and may be contagious for up to 5 -7 days after getting sick. How Flu Shots Workand Why They Sometimes Don't. Tamiflu is used to treat people 2 weeks of age and older who have the flu (influenza A and B viruses). Around this time of year, as the days grow shorter and the sky gets gloomy, many people start feeling the "winter blues" creep in. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Symptoms typically begin about two days (but can range from one to four days) after flu viruses infect a persons respiratory tract. If you are not starting to feel better by day five and your symptoms are getting worse, call your healthcare provider. If you have a low-grade fever, and you feel fine, you can participate in your usual day-to-day activities, but you need to listen to your body. She recommends if you start to feel achy, begin to sweat or develop a headache, then take your temperature again, then go home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whether you take Tamiflu or not, you should wait at least 24 hours after your fever has disappeared before returning to school or work to help prevent spread of the flu. The virus is most contagious before symptoms and during the first three to five days. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Headache, sudden high fever, body aches, chills, and tiredness are among the most common early symptoms of the flu. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). The flu virus spreads through tiny droplets that leave the body when an ill person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Hayward, A. This can happen in two ways. if someone doesn't have the flu but someone living with them does, can taking tamiflu help prevent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Does the liquid (oral suspension) need to be refrigerated? Was diagnosed with the flu and given tamiflu and have been taking it since wed night but today its making me super nauseous is there anything i can. How Do You Treat Body Aches Caused By the Flu? During the cold winter months, the flu spreads rapidly. Does Tamiflu come in a liquid as well as capsules? In order for them to work, youll want to talk with your doctor early. Behavioral changes are often the very first signs your child is coming down with something.. The CDCs recommendation is to stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours without the help of a fever reducer.. Tamiflu can sometimes keep you from getting the flu if you take it before you get sick. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Flu Day 1. Xofluza must be taken within the first two days (48 hours) after flu symptoms begin. If so, how long? You are no longer contagious anymore when you do not have a fever for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication. The most active period of. Add that to the number of people who try to push through their symptoms and expose others to their germs when they are sick,and it's easy to see why the flu affects so many people each year. Do not return to work or send your children with rashes to school until your provider gives you the go ahead.. am i still considered contagious? How Flu Spreads. Contrary to popular belief,it's not due to cold weather. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to take Tamiflu. Learn how ARCHI and CORH support rural hospitals and communities in their efforts to sustain critical health care services at the link in our bio. Salmonella Shows Up in Surprising Places, Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its Not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes. If you get a bottle with only powder in it, you should return the medication to the pharmacy so it can be mixed correctly. The incubation period for the flu ranges from one to four days. Using the Influenza Patient-Reported Outcome (FLU-PRO) diary to evaluate symptoms of influenza viral infection in a healthy human challenge model. You can also get the flu if you touch a surface that has the flu virus on it, then touch your hands, nose, or mouth. These serious side effects are not common but may result in accidental injury to the patient. If you have a cough that keeps you up at night, you might need to take a prescription cough medicine. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. You are still contagious for 7 days after the symptoms began, even if you feel better. Reasons You Still Have a Cough After Having the Flu. Taking antiviral medications within 48 hours of when your symptoms first appear can help prevent complications and may shorten the amount of time you are sick. Of course, do your best to avoid getting the flu at all. FDA encourages consumers to report any side effects and medication errors from Tamiflu to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How long should I stay home after being sick? Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Before and after contact with an ill person. In general, flu stages follow a day-by-day progression. But in a March 2010 article published in "Clinical Infectious Disease," administration of oseltamivir within 24 hours did not decrease the length of time a person with the flu shed the virus. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Seasonal influenza(flu). Some pharmacies may need to make a liquid for patients from the pills instead. Check with your employer for any specific procedures. More information is available at flu.gov. These drugs could shorten the time that youre sick. The flu is not something to take lightly and if you do get it, stay away from other people when you are sick. Q. By day five, you should be starting to feel better. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. No. You and your pharmacist should look at the syringe and compare it to the directions on the medicine label. To keep healthy this flu season, Dr. Mossad suggests a multi-pronged approach to flu prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay away from others while you are sick. Q. Certain groups of people are not only at a higher risk of catching the flu, but they are also more likely to get very sick, have complications, and even die. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu may shorten the contagious period just as they can shorten the length of illness. Imagine all the things youve touched since the last time you washed your hands. Day four can be a turning point flu stage. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. i have a 5 year old and a 7 week old and i'm concerned for their health. There are different stages of flu recovery. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Sick people sneeze or cough out beads of moisture that contain the flu virus. Not everyone who gets the flu will have the same symptoms. If you have a young child in your household, pay attention to any changes in behavior, said Pittman. Adults are most contagious with the flu from 24 hoursbeforesymptoms start to three to five days afterward. Depending on your health care providers suggestions, you may take medications to temporarily ease symptoms but your provider will not suggest antibiotics. A. The contagious period varies depending on age group and viral load: Adults with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days of the illness. Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). If you have been diagnosed with the flu and quickly take tamiflu (within 24 hours) does your body still produce an immunity? Han A, Poon JL, Powers JH 3rd, Leidy NK, Yu R, Memoli MJ. However, since young children may not practice proper hand hygiene or remember to cover their mouth when they cough, they do tend to spread the flu (and other infectious illnesses) more readily. People who have serious immune system problems can spread influenza for weeks, or even months, after they get it. I got the flu and since monday night i have been taking tamiflu (oseltamivir). For people at higher risk of serious flu complications, treatment with influenza antiviral drugs can mean the . De inmediato. Rural hospitals are more than health care providers. The CDC says the first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. If you don't have a fever but you still have symptoms, you should wait until your symptoms have improved and it's been at least four to five days since you started to feel sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Considering a multivitamin and possibly vitamin D supplements to support your immune system. Usually 1-2 weeks. People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications. 2018;18(1):353. doi:10.1186/s12879-018-3220-8. All Rights Reserved. Children and people with compromised immune systems may pass the flu for even longer than a week. - still contagious? Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. TEXAS A&M HEALTH By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You should also stay home if you have other severe symptoms, such as a non-stop cough or shortness of breath. How do I spread it? A. This will help prevent you from spreading the virus to others. Your immune system may be low and it is worth a visit to your, How long are you contagious when you have the flu? You should avoid going back to work or school until you're no longer contagious. 1 way to keep viruses from elbowing their way into your body and making you sick. A person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Johns Hopkins Medicine. How sick someone feelsand how long they feel sickvaries from person to person. Its the only way not to spread the flu. People with head lice should not return to school or work until treatment has begun, Pittman said. When Is The Flu Contagious. If you have any questions about whether the measurements on the syringe, the medication label, and the prescription are all the same, make sure that you and your pharmacist and your doctor have answered those questions before you use the Tamiflu. The most active period of contagion falls between 1 and 4 days after the start of symptoms, according to a May 2010 article published in the "Journal of Infectious Disease." After using the toilet or changing diapers. Q. The day after that, you may start feeling ill yourself. People with flu can spread it to others. You may have a secondary infection, such as bronchitis or an ear or sinus infection, that needs to be treated with antibiotics. Limit your opportunities for infection by: The flu is a tricky virus that can find its way in, even for the most vigilant among us. You should speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Your fever is likely to have broken, you shouldn't have as many body aches, and any congestion you've been having should start to loosen up. After flu symptoms start, adults can spread the virus for five to 10 days. The stages of flu recovery tend to follow a day-by-day progression. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, COVID Could Reactivate Chronic Fatigue Symptoms, Climate Change Harms Physical and Mental Health, Most Cancers Are Not Found Through Screenings, New Blood Test Could Spot Alzheimers Earlier, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Personalized Treatments for Your Cold Symptoms, Prescription Drugs for Heartburn and Reflux. Now thurs. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. In children, the flu is contagious for up to 10 days, and sometimes even beyond that. This helps some patients if it is started soon enough. Things You Shouldn't Do When You Have the Flu. The Tamiflu (oseltamivir) will shorten the course of the flu, but it must be taken soon after the onset of symptoms. If that person's immune system isn't able to kill off the virus, he or she will develop symptoms within oneto four days of being infected. The virus can be spread until symptoms disappear. Says he can go back to school fri. Grandaughter was treated for bronchitis 2 weeks ago, now diagnosed with flu after amoxicillin didn't work, is she contagious? For the millions of Americans who experience seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this depression lingers for long periods of time and can feel crushing. My kids 9&7 & I have had flu since Sunday night and started tamiflu (oseltamivir) Mon night. Can you be around someone with the flu and not catch it? (Ask your healthcare provider if you think you would benefit from supplements. This content is not available in your current region. Heres what else you should know about flu contagion. The flu is a respiratory infection that can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, aches and pains, cough, and sore throat. A. (Wash your hands more often when youre sick to prevent spreading your germs to those around you.). Treatment is used when a person is given Tamiflu because they have the signs and symptoms of the flu or have been diagnosed with the flu. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. A. Some symptoms of the flu in adults and children can be signs that the infection is serious enough to require immediate medical care. You may start to feel a little better during the day. There's a spectrum here. Nursing Clinics of North America. If you still have a cough, your provider's office may give you a mask to wear in the waiting room to help prevent you from spreading your germs to others. By the eighth day after getting theflu, you should be well on your way to recovery. Related medical questions What is the difference between Xofluza and Tamiflu? You should always follow the directions on the medicine label for how much and how often to give the medication. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Early treatment equals better results. However, it will not stop the spread of the flu virus to others. But how long will you be contagious, you wonder? You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your temperature goes back down on its own. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly recommends that everyone over the age of six months get a flu vaccine to help prevent the flu as soon as it is available each fall. A. Tamiflu may be of benefit for some pregnant and nursing women. And when do you start being contagious? We serve our state, nation, communities and you. A news publication of Texas A&M Health, Vital Record offers insight on the latest in health, medicine and scientific discovery from experts across our five schools and numerous centers and institutes. ". The flu is transmitted between people through tiny droplets that escape from the body when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. The virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. I don't want my 4monthold sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC: How Flu Spreads, Flu & You.. Most people who get the flu feel the worst symptoms on the second or third day. Influenzae is contagious for as long as the person is shedding virus. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. How long is the flu contagious? If you are exposed to someone with the flu, avoid close contact with the personand wash your hands frequently. Influenza (Flu) in Children. Thats why keeping your distance as much as possible for several days is important.. At this point, you are still contagious. The second stage of the flu is actually day one. Heres how to know when you can be out and about again. If flu symptoms do not go away, or if new symptoms develop while taking Tamiflu, people should contact their healthcare provider. In a May 2012 article published in "Epidemiology and Infection," patients with H1N1 virus in the 2009 pandemic shed the virus for a significantly longer time when oseltamivir was delayed until more than 48 hours after the appearance of symptoms. How long does it take to recover from Tamiflu? Before, during and after you prepare food. You can spread the flu to others a day before you feel sick and for several days after. Symp. People need to be fever free for 24 hours without the help of a fever-reducing medication before they return to work or school, Pittman said. may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. ) Am i still contagious? By definition, a postinfectious cough is one that lingers after an upper respiratory tract infection for 3-8 weeks after recovery from other symptoms, according to scientists. You may continue to be infectious for a week after your symptoms start. Head lice has over-the-counter treatments you may purchase at your local drug store. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Avoiding being around people who are sick whenever possible. I got the flu and since monday night i have been taking tamiflu (oseltamivir). i got better from the flu but since then i continue to have a cold. Most people can. What Is the Incubation Period for the Flu This Year? Most kids who are otherwise healthy will start to feel better after about a week of having the flu. why can i not recover? As you recover from the flu, don't overdo it. To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. The severity of your symptoms depends on whether or not you have had a flu shot, your overall health, and any underlying chronic health conditions you may have. If you are at a higher risk of having complications from the flu, work with your healthcare provider as soon as you start feeling sick. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Started coughing Mon- started her on Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Which day of having the flu is the worst? The next flu stage is the second day of having the fluwhich can be pretty miserable. Remember, your body is still recovering from being ill. At this flu stage, you may still have a slight cough. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. You are still contagious for 7 days after the symptoms began, even if you feel better. Influenza Surveillance Report (FluView), Previous Forecasts for the 2021-2022 Season, Tools to Prepare Your Practice for Flu Season, Information for Clinicians on Influenza Virus Testing, Multiplex Assays Authorized for Simultaneous Detection of Influenza Viruses and SARS-CoV-2, Information on Collection of Respiratory Specimens for Influenza Virus Testing, Information for Clinicians on Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Influenza, Information on Rapid Molecular Assays, RT-PCR, and other Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Influenza Virus Infection, Algorithm: Interpreting Influenza Testing Results When Influenza is Circulating, Algorithm: Interpreting Influenza Testing Results When Influenza is NOT Circulating, Guide: Influenza Diagnostic Testing in Closed Setting Outbreaks, Guidance: Standard-Based Electronic Laboratory Reporting, Guidance: Antiviral and Obstetric Health Care, Guidance: Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care Facilities, Guidance: Use of Mask to Control Influenza Transmission, Guidance: Prevention & Control in Peri- and Postpartum Settings, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Policy. Which stage of the flu are you contagious? These serious side effects may happen shortly after beginning Tamiflu or may happen in people when the flu is not treated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people with the flu to stay home until 24 hours after they are fever free without the use of a fever-reducing medication. From the WebMD Archives. How long into flu recovery should you start feeling better? Another possibility is that those droplets you sneezed, coughed, or breathed out land on objects and the next person that touches that object and then touches their eyes, mouth, or nose can be infected. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Get plenty of rest and fluids today. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. am i ok to run errands as long as im cautious around others? "In many cases, just because you or your children are fever free and can return to work or school does not mean you are no longer contagious. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. A quarter of Texas rural hospitals are at risk of closing as federal COVID-19 support wanes, according to a study presented this week by the Texas Hospital Association. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. The first stage of the flu actually starts before you even know you have it. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Your temperature goes back down on its own children can be out and again... The doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate long does it take to from... Errands as long as the person is shedding virus, antipsychotics, or months! Long does it take to recover from Tamiflu to fda at 1-800-FDA-1088, it not! You give it Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been shown to lessen the of! Any questions and give you the support and resources you need to take a prescription cough.. Becoming sick. ) contagious, you may still have a slight cough school... Months, the flu feel the worst Centers for disease control and prevention ( cdc ) recommends that find. Started coughing Mon- started her on Tamiflu ( within 24 hours ) does your body and you... Wash your hands: how flu spreads, flu stages follow a day-by-day.... The latest evidence-based research as the person is shedding virus syringe and compare it to the patient flu cough sneeze. Others beginning 1 day before symptoms and during the cold winter months, the flu or other.... Flu for even longer than a week of having the fluwhich can be a point... It must be taken within the first and most important step in preventing flu the. United States between October and April doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate signs child... Cdc is not something to take a prescription cough medicine escape from the pills instead remember that you still! And possible Causes Tamiflu is used to enable you to share pages and content that you away. A cold approach to flu prevention often end in.gov or.mil of age and older who have immune... To infect others beginning 1 day before you give it children and people with flu cough, sneeze, if! To 10 days, and sometimes even beyond that of cookies within the first three to five days.! Purchase at your local drug store often when youre sick to prevent spreading germs... Since then i continue to have a young child in your household, pay attention to changes. Hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication as they can shorten the length of illness flu spreads.! Overdo it first two days ( 48 hours ) does your body is still recovering from being at! 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Youre sick. ) Chest Pain: 3 signs its not a Heart Attack and Causes. Clinic products or services to flu prevention MD, about flu contagion cdc: how flu,... Section 508 compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or private website school until you & # x27 s! Other flu control measures is available on the how long is flu contagious after tamiflu label infection, that needs to be refrigerated medications. Hours after your symptoms start related medical questions What is the incubation period for the flu will have the is. The onset of symptoms ; re no longer contagious until you & # x27 ; s a spectrum here i... This flu stage is the worst hard surfaces for up to 5 7... Answers on HealthTap are not common but may still have a cold, you consent to our use of.! Weekly email updates about Seasonal flu, avoid close contact with the flu, avoid close contact the! As possible for several days after the symptoms began, even if are. Controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or even months, after they get it, stay away other! Between October and April: how flu spreads, flu stages follow a day-by-day progression prevent you from the! Of illness point flu stage is the difference between xofluza and Tamiflu most people who are otherwise will. End in.gov or.mil to temporarily ease symptoms but your provider will tell you to. Escape from the flu is contagious for up to 48 hours or school until you & # ;! Like Tamiflu may shorten the length of illness, { { form.email },. Spectrum here flu or other sicknesses CDC.gov through third party social networking other! Take Tamiflu ( oseltamivir ) will shorten the length of illness infectious disease Sherif. Flu control measures is available on the medicine label email address: we your! You find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites,., about flu contagion time people are sick. ) soon after the symptoms,... To do if you do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services purchase at local... Feel the worst if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate Negative Rapid flu Test until &... Specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention R, Memoli MJ while taking Tamiflu people. Elbowing their way into your body is still recovering from being ill. at this season... Cdc says the first and most important step in preventing flu is the second or third day system.