How long do flu symptoms last?

Answer 1

According to information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

"The typical incubation period for influenza is 1-4 days (average: 2 days). Adults shed influenza virus from the day before symptoms begin through 5-10 days after illness onset. However, the amount of virus shed, and presumably infectivity, decreases rapidly by 3-5 days after onset in an experimental human infection model. Young children also might shed virus several days before illness onset, and children can be infectious for 10 or more days after onset of symptoms. Severely immunocompromised persons can shed virus for weeks or months.

"Uncomplicated influenza illness typically resolves after 3-7 days for the majority of persons, although cough and malaise can persist for >2 weeks. However, influenza virus infections can cause primary influenza viral pneumonia; exacerbate underlying medical conditions (e.g., pulmonary or cardiac disease); lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, or otitis media; or contribute to co-infections with other viral or bacterial pathogens."

Answer 2

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

"Uncomplicated influenza illness typically resolves after 3-7 days for the majority of persons, although cough and malaise can persist for >2 weeks. However, influenza virus infections can cause primary influenza viral pneumonia; exacerbate underlying medical conditions (e.g., pulmonary or cardiac disease); lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, or otitis media; or contribute to coinfections with other viral or bacterial pathogens." These complications and secondary conditions and their severity will vary as to how much time they add to the illness from person to person.

Answer 3

The flu usually lasts for about 2-5 days. The worst part is usually over by the second or third day, and then you have to rest up to regain strength.

Answer 4

The worst parts last 2-5 days though other symptoms can last 2-3 weeks.

Answer 5

Normally, flu symptoms start to improve after two to five days, but it is fairly common for the flu to last beyond a week.

Answer 6

at least a few days