How long does the flu last? Flu Complications

How long children have the flu will not be a question many parents of young children care about. Influenza is a common condition during the cold season, with symptoms of stuffy nose, dry cough, headache, muscle aches and limb weakness. So how long will flu recover? What if the flu doesn't last long?

How long does the flu last?

Influenza is a commonly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. How long does it take for a child to get the flu? According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with uncomplicated colds will last 3-5 days, including children. However, coughing and feeling tired can persist for up to 2 weeks or longer.

In general, different strains of influenza usually do not affect the duration of illness, but types of influenza A (such as H3N2) can make illness worse. According to the CDC, influenza A virus (H3N2) has been associated with higher rates of hospitalization and death in both children and the elderly than other human influenza subtypes or strains, such as influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B. In addition, vaccine efficacy against influenza A virus (H3N2) is often lower.

Although there are some similar symptoms overlapping, colds and seasonal flu are two separate diseases. In particular, the cold is milder than the flu. The symptoms of a cold usually go away after about 7-10 days and tend not to progress as quickly as the flu. Meanwhile, flu symptoms can last up to a few weeks.

Time spread when you have the flu

Seasonal flu symptoms usually develop 1 to 4 days after exposure to the influenza virus. If you have the flu, the time to spread to others is 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 5-7 days after becoming ill. Young children or people with weakened immune systems can extend the period of infection longer.

In addition, influenza viruses are also able to survive on surfaces, such as door knobs and table tops, for up to 24 hours. The virus lives longer on materials such as stainless steel, plastics and other hard surfaces. Therefore, hands should be washed often and avoiding touching the face or mouth to limit transmission and infection of seasonal influenza virus.

Complications when you have the flu

Some people who always located in an increased risk for flu-related complications, including:

●      Pneumonia;

●      Bronchitis;

●      Sinusitis;

●      Ear infection

These complications can be caused by the flu virus itself or by secondary bacterial infections. Patients with serious flu-related complications may require hospitalization, even leading to death.

In addition, flu infections can make existing pre-existing conditions worse. For example, if you have asthma, you will experience more severe asthma attacks while you have the flu. People at increased risk for flu-related complications include:

●      Elderly, 65 or older;

●      Children in 2 years old to 5 years old,

●      Native American or Alaska people;

●      Women who are pregnant or have given birth less than 2 weeks ago;

●      Obesity people

●      Long-term care in a nursing home or health facility;

●      Have a weakened immune system, such as cancer or HIV-infected patients;

●      Have a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes or COPD;

●      Liver or kidney dysfunction.

When you should see a doctor?

Most cold symptoms usually clear up within 1 week. However, influenza can cause serious complications in a group of risk factors as listed above. If the patient experiences any of the following symptoms, he or she should see a doctor immediately

In adults

●      Shortness of breath;

●      Chest or abdominal pain;

●      Sudden dizziness;

●      Loss of consciousness

●      Vomit.

Also, when the symptoms seem to be relieved, but then recur or become more severe, they are a noticeable sign.

In infants and young children

●      Shortness of breath;

●      The body is dehydrated;

●      Can not eat;

●      Unconscious;

●      No reaction or no desire to be cuddled;

●      Bluish skin;

●      Fever accompanied by rash;

●      Diapers are less wet than usually;

Similar to adults, if the child's symptoms seem to be relieved, but then recur or become more severe, see a doctor immediately.

Hope that after the post, you will know more about flu and how long does the flu last. Don’t forget to see a doctor, if you get tired when flu.