When it comes to feeling miserable, few things compare to the flu. From aching muscles to a pounding head and fever, it often hits hard and fast. The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious illness caused by the influenza virus. Every year, between 20 to 40 million people in the U.S. catch the flu, making it one of the common illnesses.
Flu season in the Northern Hemisphere typically runs from October through May, with peak activity between the months of December and February. What exactly is the flu, how long does the fever last, and when is it safe to go back to work or school? Here’s what you need to know.
What Are the Symptoms, and How Does It Spread?
Flu symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, and extreme tiredness. For some, especially children, may also have vomiting or diarrhea. It flu spreads from person to person through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, by touching contaminated surfaces, or through close contact like handshakes. Even before symptoms appear, a person can be contagious.
What to Expect If You Have the Flu
For healthy individuals, the flu is over in a few days. It can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicine. However, it is wise to monitor young children, older adults, or anyone with an underlying health condition closely.
How Long Does a Fever Last?
Fever is one of the hallmark signs of the flu, and it typically lasts between three to five days. It often comes on suddenly and may be accompanied by chills and body aches. The fever may go away within a few days’ other symptoms like a cough or congestion might linger.
Since fever is a symptom of the flu, try using an easy-to-use, accurate thermometer like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer to ensure that temperature measurements are reliable, extremely easy and most importantly, precise.
The flu may be common, but that doesn’t mean taking it lightly. Understanding how it spreads, what to expect, and how long symptoms like fever last can help people take care of themselves and protect those around them. When in doubt, always check with a healthcare provide especially if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a week.
Source
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
Exergen ECO/PN 850464