"How long does the flu last" is an often asked question. However, this is not as easy a question to answer as many would hope or expect. The flu, or influenza, is extremely infectious and affects many thousands each year. With symptoms including nausea and entire bodily aches, it can be a debilitating period.
Sufferers can expect to have symptoms for up to a week or more, though some people can get over the illness within a day or two. This duration varies according to the severity of the strain of the flu as well as other factors.
So how long do people remain infectious? The period of time you are infectious does not necessarily correlate to the time frame in which the symptoms are felt. A person can spread the virus a day before any symptoms are felt, whilst the virus can still be present a few days after symptoms have ended.
This is the case with a healthy adult of child bearing age. However for groups such as the young or elderly, infection can last longer and be more severe.
In such cases serious health issues, connected to the flu - though not as a direct result of it - can further complicate matters. If you are in any doubt, obviously you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
In such vulnerable groups, there is a risk that further complications may arise, resulting in serious chest infections which can in turn result in more serious illnesses and even death.
The virus spreads amazingly quickly; being able to be passed through saliva in a sneeze or cough, and through bodily contact such as kissing and a simple handshake. Which means that it is difficult for you to guard against catching it, short of quarantining yourself for the season.
In essence then, one of the most often asked questions across the world, "How long does the flu last", cannot succinctly be answered. But to do everybody around you a favor, be hygienic and only come into contact with those people that it is vital for you to.
Sufferers can expect to have symptoms for up to a week or more, though some people can get over the illness within a day or two. This duration varies according to the severity of the strain of the flu as well as other factors.
So how long do people remain infectious? The period of time you are infectious does not necessarily correlate to the time frame in which the symptoms are felt. A person can spread the virus a day before any symptoms are felt, whilst the virus can still be present a few days after symptoms have ended.
This is the case with a healthy adult of child bearing age. However for groups such as the young or elderly, infection can last longer and be more severe.
In such cases serious health issues, connected to the flu - though not as a direct result of it - can further complicate matters. If you are in any doubt, obviously you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
In such vulnerable groups, there is a risk that further complications may arise, resulting in serious chest infections which can in turn result in more serious illnesses and even death.
The virus spreads amazingly quickly; being able to be passed through saliva in a sneeze or cough, and through bodily contact such as kissing and a simple handshake. Which means that it is difficult for you to guard against catching it, short of quarantining yourself for the season.
In essence then, one of the most often asked questions across the world, "How long does the flu last", cannot succinctly be answered. But to do everybody around you a favor, be hygienic and only come into contact with those people that it is vital for you to.
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