Influenza (Flu): Spot It Early and Act Smart
Flu hits fast. One day you feel fine, the next you have fever, body aches, and a sore throat. Knowing what to do in the first 48 hours can change how sick you get and how long you’re out of commission. This guide gives clear, practical steps for recognizing, treating, and preventing influenza.
Recognize the flu fast
Common signs: sudden fever, chills, dry cough, muscle aches, headache, and extreme tiredness. Kids often have stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. A runny nose alone is more likely a cold, but if symptoms come on suddenly and include high fever and body aches, treat it like flu until proven otherwise.
Testing is available: rapid antigen tests give quick results but miss some cases. PCR tests are more accurate but take longer. If you’re high-risk (age 65+, pregnant, very young, or have chronic lung, heart, or immune conditions) and symptoms match, call your provider even before a test. Early antiviral treatment works best when started within 48 hours of symptoms.
Treatment, prevention, and when to call
Home care helps most people: rest, drink fluids, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control fever and aches, and humidify the air if your chest or throat is dry. Avoid antibiotics—flu is viral and antibiotics won’t help unless a doctor finds a bacterial complication like pneumonia. Keep tissues, masks, and hand sanitizer handy to limit spread at home.
Antivirals can shorten illness and reduce complications. Common options include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir (Xofluza). Doctors usually prescribe them for people at higher risk or those very sick; starting within 48 hours gives the best benefit. If you qualify or feel very unwell, ask your provider about antivirals right away.
Vaccination is your best prevention. The flu shot is updated yearly to match circulating strains. It won’t stop every case, but it cuts the chance of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Get vaccinated every fall; pregnant people, young children, older adults, and people with chronic health issues should prioritize it. There are different vaccine options—egg-free, high-dose for seniors, and nasal spray for some adults and kids—so ask which fits you.
Know when to seek care: trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, severe vomiting, confusion, or symptoms that improve then suddenly get worse. For infants, any breathing trouble, inability to feed, or extreme sleepiness warrants immediate attention.
Practical extra tips: stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever ends without fever-reducing medicine; wash hands often; cover coughs; and clean high-touch surfaces. If you shop for meds, read labels for interactions and stick to recommended doses. When in doubt, call your clinic—early action saves time and keeps others safer.
, Mar, 13 2025
Reemerging influenza poses unique challenges during pregnancy, affecting both the mother and the developing baby. Understanding its impact on childbirth and taking preventive measures is crucial for ensuring a safe pregnancy. This article explores key facts about flu during pregnancy, potential risks, and practical tips for keeping both mom and baby healthy.
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