How long do flu symptoms last

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Duration of Flu Symptoms: An Overview

Typical Duration of Flu Symptoms

Acute Phase of Influenza Symptoms
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, typically presents with a range of symptoms including fever, fatigue, cough, and body aches. The acute phase of these symptoms generally lasts between two to five days for most patients . During this period, individuals may experience the most intense symptoms, which can significantly impact daily activities.

Extended Symptoms
While the primary symptoms of the flu may resolve within a few days, some residual symptoms can persist for a longer duration. Specifically, cough and malaise (a general feeling of discomfort or unease) can last for several weeks after the initial infection . This extended period of symptoms can vary from person to person, but it is not uncommon for these lingering effects to disrupt normal routines.

Symptom Progression and Duration

Onset and Peak of Symptoms
The progression of flu symptoms can vary, but studies have shown that symptoms such as general fatigue, sore throat, and cough often appear before the onset of fever. These symptoms tend to last longer than others, with sore throat and cough being particularly persistent . Fever and systemic symptoms typically peak around the second or third day of illness .

Viral Shedding and Symptom Duration
Research on the dynamics of viral shedding indicates that the flu virus begins to shed sharply between half a day to one day after infection, peaking on the second day. The average duration of viral shedding is approximately 4.8 days . This period of viral shedding correlates with the duration of acute symptoms, suggesting that the most contagious phase aligns with the peak of symptom severity.

Conclusion

In summary, the duration of flu symptoms can be divided into an acute phase lasting two to five days, followed by a period where residual symptoms such as cough and malaise may persist for several weeks. Understanding the typical progression and duration of flu symptoms can help individuals manage their expectations and seek appropriate care during the illness.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Vaccines for Preventing Influenza in Healthy Individuals.

Influenza vaccines are effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults, including pregnant women, but require yearly updates due to antigenic changes in the virus.

Systematic Review

2019·

3citations

·Sally Liang

Influenza and Influenza Vaccine: A Review

Influenza identification, management, and prevention require targeted interventions at multiple levels to address challenges in vaccine composition and uptake.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2021·

95citations

·Cynthia Nypaver et al.

Clinical study of the time course of clinical symptoms of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza observed in young adults during an initial epidemic in Kobe, Japan.

In the H1N1 epidemic, patients experienced fatigue, sore throat, and cough before fever onset, with sore throat and cough lasting longer than other symptoms, and decreased SpO(2) levels occurring 1.5 days after fever onset.

Observational Study

2011·

3citations

·H. Otera et al.

Current status of influenza: What do we know so far?

Influenza is a highly contagious seasonal virus with mild symptoms and favorable prognosis, often resolving within two to five days, and despite new antiviral drugs and preventive measures, it remains viable through antigenic drift and shift mechanisms.

Literature Review

2022·

0citations

·Matheus Marques Martins Alexandre et al.

Time lines of infection and disease in human influenza: a review of volunteer challenge studies.

Viral shedding in influenza virus infection peaked on day 2, with symptomatic infection occurring in 66.9% of healthy volunteers, and viral shedding peaks on day 4.

Literature ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2008·

1096citations

·F. Carrat et al.

Rubella Infection

A viral infection caused by the rubella virus. It is initially manifested with flu-like symptoms that last one or two days, followed by the development of a characteristic red rash which lasts from one to five days. The rash first appears in the neck and face. It subsequently spreads to the rest of the body.

2020·

2citations

Flu-like symptoms following botulinum toxin therapy.

Flu-like symptoms (FLS) are common in patients treated with botulinum toxin type A and B, with no clear risk factors identified.

Systematic Review

2011·

41citations

·J. Baizabal-Carvallo et al.

Influenza: incidence, symptoms and treatment.

Influenza is a common respiratory condition with complications, and the influenza vaccine is the main treatment for preventing the disease and its complications.

2005·

17citations

·M. Banning

Predicting influenza infections during epidemics with use of a clinical case definition.

A clinical case definition including fever (temperature of >38 degrees C) and cough effectively predicted influenza infections during the 1998-1999 flu season, with 86.8% positive predictive value, 39.3% negative predictive value, 77.6% sensitivity, and 55.0% specificity.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2000·

373citations

·G. Boivin et al.

Estimation of the Serial Interval of Influenza

The household serial interval of influenza may be longer than previously estimated, with a mean interval of 3.6 days.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2009·

197citations

·B. Cowling et al.

Try another search

taurus star cluster

the standard model of physics

how much of space has been explored

number of galaxies in the known universe

classification of matter answers

lhc black hole