Duration of the flu

introduction

The duration of the flu depends on the severity of the infection and the type of pathogen. Influenza, which is caused by the so-called influenza viruses, is called real flu. The real flu usually lasts 7 to 14 days and is characterized by a sudden onset of illness. However, a feeling of weakness can last for several weeks.
However, the influenza can also show longer and more severe courses. This is the case, for example, when it comes to pneumonia. Such an influenza pneumonia occurs mainly in immunocompromised people with previous illnesses.

Read here how to do one Detect pneumonia can.

Furthermore, concomitant myocarditis (Myocarditis), Brain inflammation (Encephalitis) and muscle inflammation (Myositis) occur. These then prolong the course of the disease. In principle, they can occur with any influenza, but usually people with previous illnesses, diseases of the immune system or patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy are particularly affected.

Read more about the here Symptoms of myocarditis, to Encephalitis and to Muscle inflammation.

The course of the disease can also be prolonged by bacterial superinfections. Because the body is weakened in the course of the viral infection, bacteria can settle, which lead to further infections and thus to a longer course of the disease.

Of the "real flu" are "flu-like infections“To differentiate, which are mostly caused by other viruses or less often by bacteria. Usually it is common colds that heal after an incubation period of about two to eight days after 10 days of the disease. In everyday language, the terms are often used synonymously, although they are actually independent clinical pictures.
In the case of a flu-like infection, a distinction is made between different pathogens that can cause it. In addition, a distinction is made between a "summer" and a "Winter flu", Which also show different courses.

Read more about the topic under flu viruses

Course and duration of the individual phases

Real flu / influenza

The so-called flu goes first incubation period of the pathogen. The incubation period is the time between infection with the pathogen and the appearance of the first symptoms. In real flu, the incubation period is with 1 to 4 days very short. The onset of illness is suddenly. The flu shows no characteristic phase progression.
After the incubation period, symptoms suddenly appear that the Symptoms of a cold resemble, but are usually more pronounced. Typically, the infection begins with one general feeling of illness, Shivering, fever and Sore throat.
The course of the disease usually lasts 7 to 14 days and heals well.

Flu-like infections

Strictly speaking, flu-like infections are not flu but a disease of their own. However, as they are often equated with flu in common parlance, they are included here for the sake of completeness.
Influenza infections are mostly from Virusessuch as the rhinovirus or adenoviruses. However, there are over 200 pathogens that can cause a flu-like infection. The incubation times of the individual pathogens differ slightly from one another, but are approximately between 2 and 8 days. The onset of illness is earlier creeping. Healing is after no later than 10 days expected.

Duration of symptoms

Real flu

The symptoms of flu last around 10 to 15 days in total. They include a high fever (up to 40 ° C), Chills, sore throat, dry cough, aching limbs and general weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Usually the first sign of the flu is a sudden high fever, which is accompanied by a great feeling of illness. The fever lasts for about 4 days.A renewed rise in fever on the third day may indicate a bacterial superinfection.
This is accompanied by a sore throat, dry cough and loss of appetite. These symptoms can last up to two weeks longer than the fever, but usually go away after a total of 10 to 15 days. General weakness can often persist for a few days after the flu has healed.

The symptomatic course of influenza, however, varies greatly from person to person. Most of the time the disease is mild and harmless. Serious, life-threatening courses only occur in rare cases. Nevertheless, influenza should be taken seriously. In particular, with existing pre-existing illnesses, children or very old people, the course of the disease can become severe.
The course of a bacterial superinfection can be more serious and protracted. This means that those affected become infected with bacteria due to a weakened immune system on the ground of the influenza. There may be additional symptoms that can extend the course beyond two weeks.

Read more about this on our website Flu complications

Flu-like infections

The symptoms begin earlier with flu-like infections creeping and usually linger 8 to 10 days off again without complications. Even with flu-like infections, it is not possible to define a classic phase of the disease. Usually, mild symptoms such as sniff, to cough and a general feeling of illness which show no gradual course.
There is usually no high fever.

Duration of the flu in the child

Children can also get influenza, but more often they are from flu-like infections concerned with them several times a year may occur. Influenza is especially common in very young children (before the 1st year of life) or children with severe previous illnesses. More difficult courses can show up here.
In children, the flu can be quite atypical symptoms like for example stomach pain, nausea, Skin manifestations and sleepiness demonstrate. The duration depends on the child's condition. Bacterial superinfections and complications such as Pneumonia, Pseudo croup or Otitis media. This can increase the duration of the illness.

Read more about the here Otitis media in toddlers and with the baby, as well as about Pseudo croup.

Duration of the risk of infection

People who have influenza can infect others with influenza viruses. There is already a risk of infection before the onset of symptoms from those affected. At least one day before the onset of symptoms, those affected are already contagious. After that you can still one week infect for a long time.

Length of sick leave

Patients with influenza are not able to work because of their illness, and one of them goes Risk of contagion for others. Therefore, they are on sick leave for the duration of their illness. However, the duration of incapacity for work varies, as the course of influenza can also vary. With a normal course, those affected are usually between 7 and 10 days unable to work. However, severe courses can take several weeks, resulting in a longer incapacity for work.
Has the infant or that small child a flu so you can get per partner a year 10-20 days take time off to look after the sick child.