How Long Does The Flu Last

0
2326

You must be aware of what alarming consequence influenza can have in our lives. The flu is a type of air borne virus which folks can get from affected people through particles carried by the wind. It can also be caught if people come in direct contact with the bug if someone has sneezed. It is a respiratory disease which occurs more frequently during the wintry weather.

Basic influenza takes around three days to a week to clear up. Sometimes the cough and uneasiness can continue for a week more.

Flu Virus Picture
source: wikipedia.org

But one has to be extremely cautious as the flu virus can cause viral pneumonia, sinusitis or some other bacterial infections. The flu is quite infectious and has a small incubation stage. So, within a short period of its arrival, the entire area is affected by it. Sometimes, even when the illness has subsided, there is a subsequent attack of fever.

How long does the Flu last in adults

All adults in good physical shape are most infectious right from the very beginning of the flu. This continues for five days after they first show the indications. But, sorry to say there is no accurate reply to how long the flu lasts in adults. The extent of the flu totally varies from people to people, because of their diverse immune systems.


Picture 2:Symptoms of Flu 
source: wikipedia.org 

If an affected person does not take the right medicine or relaxation, the flu can drag for long. So it is sensible to take instantaneous treatment when flu is detected.

How long does the Flu last in children

The flu or influenza lasts for a longer while in case of children.

  • The virus lasts for maybe three to four days, but the coughing and weakness can remain for some time.
  • Kids can be contagious for about ten days or sometimes more than that after the first sign of the symptoms.
  • It can take weeks or maybe even months for some kids to get rid of the virus if they have not been given the vital shots.

Flu-In-Children
Flu in children
source: medicalschoolmd.com 

So, it all depends on your child’s resistance. There might be vomiting for the first few days, but do not worry as it will settle after that. There might also be diarrhea in quite a number of flu cases in children. But it is a must for parents to always be alert, especially if the kids have certain chronic diseases like asthma. If there is difficulty in breathing, constant vomiting, dehydration or seizure, the child needs immediate medical attention.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/default.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/flu_in_children/article_em.htm

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here