Seasonal flu usually makes people feel sick for about a week, but some symptoms can linger longer. Children, older adults, and people with health problems may feel ill for more than a week.

Typical flu duration

For most otherwise healthy people, the main flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, headache) last around 3 to 7 days. Fatigue and cough often improve after the first week but can hang on for up to 2 weeks or sometimes a bit longer.

Contagious period

People are usually contagious from about 1 day before symptoms start and for roughly 5 to 7 days after they begin. Young children and people with weakened immune systems can spread the virus for a longer time.

When to seek medical help

Contact a doctor urgently or seek emergency care if there is trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a persistent high fever, or if symptoms get worse again after starting to improve. Also seek medical advice if symptoms last more than about 10 days without getting better, or if the sick person is very young, elderly, pregnant, or has chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.