Influenza (Flu)

Most of the time, the flu goes away on its own in seven to 10 days, but the cough can linger for a few weeks. However, if your symptoms aren’t improving or you have an existing medical condition that could increase your risk for complications, contact your primary care provider.

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, seek emergency care right away.

People at risk for complications

The flu is very common, and serious flu-like complications can happen to anyone at any age. However, some people have a higher risk of developing severe flu-related symptoms. Risk factors include:  

• Being over the age of 65
• Being under 5 years of age
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• People living in long-term care facilities
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with underlying medical conditions, such as:
  • Moderate or severe asthma
  • Heart disease
  • Sickle-cell disease
  • Chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease
  • Diabetes
  • Neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions
  • Cancer

The flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not effective.

Most adults and children recover at home within one to two weeks with plenty of rest and fluids. Over-the-counter medications – such as pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, and cough suppressants – can help manage symptoms. However, caregivers should always check with a child’s primary care provider before giving any medications.

For people who have a higher risk for complications or severe flu disease, a health care provider may prescribe an antiviral medication to help shorten illness and reduce the risk of serious outcomes.

Antiviral medications can also be used to help prevent flu infection in higher-risk patients who have been exposed to the flu.

Flu prevention

Flu season typically occurs between October and May, but you can get sick at any time of the year. You can protect yourself and others from getting influenza by:

• Getting a yearly flu vaccine. This is the most important step to protect yourself, as a new vaccine is developed each year to match the strains most likely to circulate.
• Staying home when sick. Stay home until your symptoms are improving, and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Dispose of tissues promptly and wash your hands. Wearing a face mask when you’re feeling unwell can also help reduce spread.
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces. Keep surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops clean to help kill germs that can spread illness.

 Flu vaccines

Each year, a new flu vaccine is developed to match the strains most likely to circulate that season. Getting your flu shot every year protects both you and those around you.