How long are you sick from flu viruses?

Answer 1

It varies from person to person. For adults, one day before the flu symptoms occur and a week after you become sick.
You can begin being contagious even one or two days beforeyou know you have the flu, while you have symptoms - which usually last 7 - 10 days. The rule of thumb is that you are no longer contagious after you go for a full 24 hours without a fever while taking no fever reducing medication.

Answer 2

The typical incubation period is 1 to 4 days, but this will vary from person to person and the specific strain of flu compared to a different strain of the flu.

More on duration of flu symptoms 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."

Answer 3

for at least a week if u catch it in time (early)