Symptoms of the flu start rapidly, and people can go from fine in the morning to bed ridden in the evening. The flu is worst between the day 1 and day 4 mark, after which time people begin to show signs of improvement. Once at day 7 people are usually fine and happy to go on with their lives.
Flu symptoms generally peak two to four days after they begin, then begin to gradually improve on their own. You are also most contagious three to four days after symptoms start. Symptoms may include: Fever or chills.
The most severe symptoms generally last 2 to 3 days – the start of the flu is when the infection is at its worst, so the symptoms are at their most severe. During this time you will most likely be confined to bed with fatigue, weakness, and a high fever.
Day four can be a turning point flu stage. You may start to feel a little better during the day. While you may feel better for part of the day, it is still important to get rest and plenty of fluids. By the end of the day, you may start to feel worse again and your fever may return.
Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose. Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat.
The symptoms of flu usually develop within 1 to 3 days of becoming infected. Most people will feel better within a week. However, you may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a further couple of weeks.
As harsh as the flu can be, the good news is that most people feel much better within one to two weeks. Most healthy adults become contagious the day before symptoms develop (which makes it trickier to prevent from spreading). They remain infectious for up to five to seven days after symptoms appear.
At night, there is less cortisol in your blood. As a result, your white blood cells readily detect and fight infections in your body at this time, provoking the symptoms of the infection to surface, such as fever, congestion, chills, or sweating. Therefore, you feel sicker during the night.
The worst days of the flu are over. You will start to notice your fever is going down and less achiness in your muscles, but a cough and sore throat are normal at this point. You will still feel very tired, and may have some chest discomfort, making you want to rest in bed all day.
Most symptoms go away in 4 to 7 days. The cough and tired feeling may last for weeks. Sometimes, the fever comes back. Some people may not feel like eating.
Most people will recover from the flu in a few days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. Symptoms can last longer if you develop any health complications, like pneumonia.
Person to Person
People with flu can spread it to others. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby (usually within about 6 feet away) or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The key to recovering from the flu as fast as possible is to get plenty of rest. By resting during the day, your body will be able to devote more resources to fighting the virus. Sleep is also important. Sleep gives your body the opportunity to focus on strengthening your immune system.
You will feel the worst around day 2 or 3, but once you reach day 3, the worst is over. Your immune system is working hard to contain the infection during this stage, so you are less contagious since you are still in the contagious phase of the flu.
Prop yourself up.
Sinus pressure gets better when your head is higher than your body, so let gravity work for you. When you lie down, postnasal drip can build up, making your throat sore and triggering a cough. Make a wedge with a few pillows to prop yourself up in bed.
Position your head higher.
Sinus pressure gets worse when you lie down, causing postnasal drip to build up and making you cough. Make a wedge with a few pillows to prop yourself up in bed. You may breathe and sleep a little easier.
Fever—Fevers fight influenza viruses. Because viruses are sensitive to temperature changes and cannot survive above normal body heat, your body uses fever to help destroy them. Muscle Aches and Pain—You may experience sore muscles with the flu as it is also a product of your body's immune response.
Eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated may help relieve symptoms of the flu. Good foods to eat when you're sick include broth as well as foods rich in vitamin C and probiotics. And be sure to avoid foods that can make you feel worse or dampen your immune system, like alcohol, refined sugar, and processed meats.
Maintain a consistent room temperature.
Keep the temperature at a comfortable level (69F – 72F) and bundle up with blankets that can be shoved off if you begin to overheat. The humidity in the room is important too. Dry air can worsen your cold symptoms and parch your nose and throat.
If you're still feeling tired as you recover from the flu, or even if the rest of your symptoms have completely disappeared, know that this is normal. Flu fatigue can last two weeks or more.
CDC recommends that workers who have flu symptoms upon arrival to work or become ill during the day should promptly separate themselves from other workers and go home until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications, or after symptoms have improved (at least 4-5 days after ...
You will be feeling worst around day 2 or 3, but once you reach day 3 the good news is that the worst of it is over. During this stage you are still in the contagious period of the flu, however you are less contagious as your immune system is working hard to contain the infection.