Influenza or flu is one of the most common and unpleasant illnesses encountered by humans. And when you catch it, one of the first questions that is likely to come to your mind is “how long will this last?” Actually, flu symptoms such as the abrupt onset of high fever, dry cough, and headache, along with muscle pain, are so distressing that you just want the illness to end as quickly as possible. But how? Well, the solutions are specific to your health, and we’ll have a look at these in this blog.
The flu, commonly known as influenza, primarily affects the respiratory tract but is not limited to the nose, throat, and lungs. It also causes systemic symptoms like fever, muscle pain and malaise, which are mainly due to the immune response to infection1. Influenza viruses are the cause of flu. These viruses can be divided into four types: A, B, C, and D.
When seasonal influenza viruses A (subtypes H1N1, H3N2, etc.) or influenza B lineages (Victoria and Yamagata) infect people, the illness is referred to as seasonal influenza2. Globally, annual influenza epidemics of varying intensity usually happen during colder months in temperate regions3. While mostly it resolves soon, in some cases the disease can prolong and cause certain complications.
The main ways by which influenza is transferred from person to person are through direct contact with respiratory secretions and large droplets4. The incubation period of influenza, i.e., the time from infection to development of symptoms, is about 1 to 4 days5.
It is important to note that viral shedding (i.e., the virus is shed in nasal and oropharyngeal secretions, which can spread through coughing and sneezing) can take place one day prior to the beginning of symptoms, peak in the first 3 – 5 days, and continue up to seven days after6,7,8. Thus, you can spread the infection even before and after the symptoms show. Viral shedding may be prolonged to 10 days or more in young children9,10, immunocompromised individuals11,15, and severely ill individuals.
Immunity to influenza immunity is a host characteristic and determines an individual’s vulnerability to infection8. Young children may lack immunity, while older adults may have some cross-protection from prior exposures but remain at higher risk of severe disease.
Depending on age, comorbidities, vaccination status, and innate immunity to the virus, the clinical presentation of influenza ranges between mild to severe.1 Influenza symptoms include loss of appetite, headache, acute myalgia (muscle pain), fever, chills, and malaise. In severe cases, there may be respiratory distress, hypoxia, complications (e.g., pneumonia, encephalopathy, myocarditis), and hospital requirement.
Usually, the patient gets a high-grade fever in the first few days, and then the fever progressively goes down on the second and third days. However, it can continue for four to eight days. During the long recovery phase, that is the weeks that follow, the patient may have complaints of dry cough and malaise16.
Thus, majority symptoms resolve in three to seven days, though fatigue and cough can linger longer for 2 weeks more. For high-risk individuals (elderly, individuals with impaired immune system), the illness may last longer17,18.
Individuals at risk of severe disease or complications from influenza include the following groups22:
In a major research assessing the clinical presentation of influenza in children, nearly all (95%) had fever, while cough (77%) and rhinitis (78%) were also rather prevalent. However, headache (26%) and myalgia (7%) were substantially less common19. Younger children have not yet developed immunity to a wide variety of circulating seasonal influenza strains because they have not been exposed to influenza frequently. As a result, they are more prone to get frequent disease20. Additionally, they may develop gastro-intestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite) and have higher fevers (often linked to febrile convulsions)21. Children often get high fevers and complications (e.g., febrile seizures, otitis media), but not necessarily more severe disease overall.
Thus, it can be summarized that symptoms typically last till a week, but fatigue and malaise may linger longer for a week or more. However, this duration is prolonged in the above-mentioned high-risk groups, who can have more severe disease and children who are prone to frequent infections.
The flu is contagious means it can spread to others due to ongoing viral shedding in the infected individual. Presymptomatic shedding usually occurs about 24 hours before the disease manifests, and patients are typically contagious for 5 to 7 days after onset, while some studies suggest that it may continue till 10 days later23. It should be noted that children, elderly, individuals with weakened immune system, and patients with chronic illnesses may have prolonged periods of shedding and infectiousness17,24.
Flu symptoms might appear suddenly and persist for a few weeks. Following is the normal pattern of a flu episode16:
Thus, improvement in uncomplicated influenza should be noticed in 3 – 7 days. However, fatigue and coughing may last longer for 1 – 2 weeks. If a typical course of flu is accompanied with shortness of breath, then it is not normal. The most common complication in children is otitis media; in adults, bronchitis and secondary bacterial infections are frequent25. Pneumonia is a serious complication, especially in high-risk individuals. Primary viral pneumonia, which is caused by the influenza virus, can occur as a continuum of the acute influenza illness. It is severe, rapidly progressive, but less common. Secondary pneumonia, which occurs after a few days, is a mixed viral and bacterial infection16. Secondary bacterial pneumonia occurs after initial improvement, often due to S. pneumoniae, S. aureus or H. influenzae26. If symptoms persist or newer ones like shortness of breath occur, consult your doctor immediately.
Antivirals are indicated for anyone at high risk of complications, hospitalized patients, or those with severe/progressive disease.
There are two types of anti-influenza medications:
M2 inhibitors (amantadine, rimantadine) are usually not recommended due to widespread resistance in circulating influenza A strains. Peramivir (IV neuraminidase inhibitor)27 and Baloxavir marboxil (cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor) are now widely used in some regions. These antiviral drugs (e.g., oseltamivir, baloxavir), if started early (within 48 hours of symptom onset), can modestly reduce symptom duration and complications.
In a study28, some herbal remedies were found to be effective against respiratory viruses. These include natural products like licorice roots, elderberry, Echinacea, pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao. Probiotics, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, seaweed extract, yeast-based products, and garlic extract were among the supplements that showed beneficial effects against respiratory viruses. However, evidence for herbal remedies is limited, inconsistent, and often not influenza-specific. Further studies are needed to confirm their use in influenza.
Note: These home remedies should be used after consulting a doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
If you are in a high-risk group for a serious infection or have any concerns, see a doctor. Get medical help right away if you suffer from any of the following symptoms1:
Also Read: Influenza A: What is It, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Influenza Vaccine: Annual immunization against seasonal influenza is the most effective way to avoid influenza and its serious consequences. New vaccinations are created every year to match circulating viruses29 since the influenza virus undergoes antigenic drift, which outpaces the immune system’s ability to defend against novel versions30. The main issue is antigenic drift (minor mutations) and occasional antigenic shift (major changes in Influenza A)21.
Every year, adults and children ≥3 years should receive a single injection of the influenza vaccine (0.5 mL), ideally by October in the northern hemisphere and May in the southern hemisphere16.
For children (6 – 35 months), 0.25 mL (for some vaccines) or 0.5 mL depending on formulation is recommended31.
In addition, to prevent the spread of virus, the following hygiene measures should be taken:
Also Read: H3N2 Influenza: Health Hazard Or Public Panic?
Usually in uncomplicated flu, it takes 3 – 5 days to recover from the symptoms of fever and muscle pain, however, cough and malaise may persist beyond 7 days. People with chronic conditions, elderly individuals, pregnant women and infants <2 years are far more susceptible to flu-related complications. In order to treat the flu, people should rest and avoid exposure during the contagious period. Don’t rush back into your regular activities too soon; instead, be patient and pay attention to your body. To stay healthy during flu season, think about getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine is your best defence against future flu viruses.
Also Read: H1N1 (Swine Flu): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Common cold is caused by viral infections (e.g., rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus). While some symptoms of a cold may resemble those of influenza, influenza typically lasts longer than a cold and is more severe. Fever and myalgia are more typical of influenza, but in some cases, severe colds (especially in children) can also cause mild fever.
Pneumonia, myocarditis, myositis and acute respiratory distress syndrome are possible outcomes for just a small portion of influenza patients. Hospitalization and even death may result from these issues. Although those with pre-existing medical illnesses are at a higher risk of complications from influenza, healthy individuals can also experience complications1.
An “enhanced” influenza vaccination is made especially to boost the immune system’s reaction to the vaccine.
It may include:
-a greater quantity of antigen without adjuvant (this refers to high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV)).
-a regular amount of antigen with an adjuvant (a substance that boosts an immunological response to a vaccine).
Older adults typically receive less protection from influenza vaccinations than younger adults, and they do not react as well to standard-dose influenza vaccinations as younger adults do.Enhanced vaccines do not guarantee complete protection but improve immune response and effectiveness in the ≥65 age group compared to standard vaccines32.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
We have all suffered from flu at some point in our lives. The fever, chills, and headache can make life difficult.
Flu, otherwise known as influenza, is caused by the influenza virus. It is a highly contagious disease. Although all age groups can catch this disease, it has serious effects on babies and the elderly particularly. Flu spreads through the body fluids such as saliva, mucous, etc., of the infected person. It is generally transferred when the infected person coughs or sneezes. The flu is a disease of the respiratory system, but it can affect the whole body1,2.
However, there are some simple remedies to manage your symptoms and be more comfortable. Continue reading to find out!
Flu is an infection caused by a virus called influenza. It occurs mostly in the winter season and is highly contagious. Flu can infect people of all ages. However, the following people are more prone to getting hospitalized with flu.
Star anise which is traditionally used as a spice in food, and also acts as a medicine in flu because it’s seeds contain chemicals that might have antibacterial effects. It also contains a chemical called shikimic acid, which is used to make oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a flu treatment.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
If you have flu, you may experience the following symptoms.
Pain in the chest or abdomen, confusion, vomiting or difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, if you experience any of these symptoms along with flu, it is recommended to visit a physician as soon as possible.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
These herbs and remedies have properties to ease flu symptoms, but more research is still required to consolidate their use. Nevertheless, here are some remedies to help with flu symptoms at home.
Using honey may help strengthen your immune system and fight viral infections. Honey may help kill the flu virus and protect the person against flu symptoms4. There are several recipes to try with honey. You can mix honey in a warm cup of green tea. Another remedy is drinking honey and lemon tea. Drinking warm water mixed with honey may help with a sore throat. However, avoid giving honey to children below one year.
Ginger is a widely used medicinal plant across the world. It is included in the Ayurvedic, Chinese and Unani systems of traditional medicine. Using fresh ginger may help eliminate flu symptoms like a sore throat, fever and body ache5. One of the ways to use ginger for flu is to boil freshly sliced ginger in water. Let it simmer for some time. Drinking warm ginger water may help flu symptoms.
Garlic is known to help the body fight off infections and help destroy viruses by boosting immunity. This property may indicate that garlic might have a soothing effect on flu. Garlic may also help build lost strength. This acquired strength may help to fight off flu symptoms and counter fatigue associated with flu6. You can take garlic as a dietary supplement and add it to your food.
Echinacea is a medicinal plant commonly known as coneflower or American coneflower. It is often used as a nutritional supplement to help boost the immune system7. You can use fresh echinacea root or other parts to make tea. Drinking this tea may help you get some relief from flu symptoms. To prepare echinacea tea, you can place the leaves, flowers, and roots of an echinacea plant in a teacup and add boiling water to it. Let this mixture steep the tea as desired, then strain to remove the roots, flowers, and leaves.
Guduchi juice may help with enhancing the immune system and defence mechanism. Together these properties may help fight off the flu symptoms. You can drink fresh guduchi juice to help get rid of flu symptoms8. You can make guduchi juice at home. Peel some fresh guduchi, and chop it into pieces. Blend the chopped guduchi with a glass of water. Strain this mixture and your guduchi juice is ready.
You need to get plenty of rest during flu recovery. Make sure to stay at home and get enough sleep and keep warm. It may help you recover sooner from the flu2,9. Resting may also help you regain your strength.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It will help you recover quickly and avoid dehydration2,9. You can also drink warm chicken soup to help your sore throat and runny nose. You can also try to include foods that contain water in your diet.
A deficiency of vitamin C may make you prone to infections due to impaired immunity. Likewise, vitamin C supplements may help fight infection by boosting the immune system10. You can involve foods in your diet that are rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwis, and grapefruit11.
Though studies show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies for flu, these are insufficient. Therefore, there is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies on human health. Thus, these should only be taken cautiously and never as a substitute for medical treatment.
You must contact your healthcare provider as soon as you experience flu symptoms. It is important that you take flu medicines within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms2.
Consult a professional if the symptoms fail to improve with home remedies.
You must not rely on home remedies alone for flu treatment. Instead, you should consult a qualified doctor for advice on the condition if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.
You may suffer from flu symptoms from time to time. Flu symptoms can hinder your work and daily activities and make life difficult. However, these herbs and home remedies like ginger, honey, garlic, guduchi and echinacea can help you manage your symptoms at home. If the home remedies don’t work out and you continue experiencing the symptoms, you need to reach out to your healthcare provider. Avoid relying solely on home remedies for flu treatment at home, and don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
You can use many herbs to get rid of flu symptoms at home. Natural remedies like ginger, honey, garlic, echinacea and guduchi may be used at home to help manage flu4,8. However, if the symptoms don’t improve with home remedies and you continue to experience symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider.
You can manage your flu symptoms and speed up your recovery by getting plenty of rest and sleep. Hydrating yourself well may play a key role in helping you recover2,9. However, you can also reach out to your healthcare provider for help if the symptoms don’t improve.
You may use ginger to help with your flu symptoms. Ginger is a commonly found herb used as a remedy for several conditions. For example, ginger may help you with a sore throat, body ache, fever and pain5. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of ginger in humans. You should consult your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t improve after using ginger.
Herbs like ginger, garlic, and echinacea may help fight off cold and cough symptoms such as a sore throat. In addition, these herbs may boost the immunity that helps fight the infection causing cold and flu symptoms. Honey is also one of the natural ingredients that may help boost immunity and help overcome flu-related symptoms4,7. However, before using natural herbs for coughs and colds, you must consult your healthcare provider.
1. Flu (influenza) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/influenza-flu
2. Influenza (Flu): Treatment, Prevention, Symptoms vs Cold [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
3. Influenza | Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza
4. P. Saranraj, S. Sivasakthi, Glaucio Dire Feliciano. Pharmacology of Honey: A Review. Advances in Biological Research [Internet]. 2016;10(4):271–89. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308694961_Pharmacology_of_Honey_A_Review
5. Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol [Internet]. 2008 [cited 2022 Jul 10];46(2):409–20. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17950516/
6. Garlic – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 11]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Garlic
7. Echinacea | NCCIH [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 11]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea
8. Ayush Division. Ayurveda offering Herbal healing. Available from: https://esic.gov.in/attachments/publicationfile/7d11b02e5abb4717d53b4ce05efabd21.pdf
9. Flu – NHS [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
10. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients [Internet]. 2017 Nov 1 [cited 2022 Jul 11];9(11). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
11. Vitamin C | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 11]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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