How long it takes to get ill after catching flu – and 10 early signs that suggest you’re about to be struck down
FLU season is now in full swing, with cases of the very infectious illness ticking up on a weekly basis.
The most recent said cases rose by 2.3 per cent in the week before December 7, while hospitalisations increased too.
Most people get through the flu with rest and some painkillers, but it can make some people seriously unwell.
It's spread through germs released by coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands or surfaces infected people touch for up to 24 hours, according to the NHS.
And once you've been infected by the bug, symptoms tend to come on very quickly.
Dr Marcel Curlin, infectious disease expert and associate professor of medicine, Oregon Health and Science University’s School of Medicine, told that people generally get ill about two and a half days after they're exposed to the flu virus.
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Meanwhile, chief quality officer at BJC Healthcare, Dr Hilary Babcock, told the outlet symptoms can even hit you the day after you're infected.
“One of the distinguishing features of the flu compared to colds is that often it has a very sudden onset," she explained.
She said flu symptoms can strike all at once rather than gradually worsening.
You might be fine in the morning but feel pretty awful by the early afternoon.
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Symptoms that come on that quick are more likely to be caused by the flu than by other viruses like rhinovirus or cold-inducing bugs, Dr Babcock went on.
What symptoms does the flu cause?
If you have the flu, you'll probably get a mix of the following symptoms quite suddenly:
- A sudden high temperature of 38C or above
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
As for your little one, they might also get ear pain and appear less active, according to the NHS.
If you're not sure whether you're suffering from a cold or the flu, there are a few ways to tell the difference other than how quickly symptoms develop.
While a cold will typically only affect your nose and throat, the flu can also be felt in other parts of your body, causing nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhoea as well as aches and pains.
A case of the flu can also make you feel too poorly to carry on with your day as normal, while you might be able to get on with most of your usual activities with a cold.
What should I do if I come down the flu?
As flu is very infectious, Dr Curlin recommended you "stay away from everybody"; to avoid spreading it.
The best thing to do if you've come down with the dreaded flu is get plenty of rest and sleep in order to help your body recover quicker.
It's also a good idea to drink lots of water and make sure you're not dehydrated.
The number one way to gauge that is to pay attention to your pee - if it's a light yellow or clear than you're all good.
But darker-looking pee that has a strong smell is a telltale sign you're dehydrated and need to take in more liquids.
It's also a good idea to stay warm and cosy, and you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to bring down your temperature and ease any aches and pains you might be feeling.
But the NHS warned that you shouldn't take flu remedies that contain paracetamol on top of the painkiller, as you might exceed your daily recommended dose of paracetamol.
How can I protect myself from the flu?
Getting your seasonal flu vaccine is one of the best ways to defend yourself from flu, especially if you're at risk of getting seriously ill from the virus.
It comes after warnings that a flu outbreak could hit millions this winter due to low uptake of the preventative jabs.
You can get a free flu vaccine if you're 65, have certain health conditions, are pregnant, are in a care home or live with someone whose immune system is weakened by HIV or cancer treatments.
The children's nasal spray vaccine is also given tots aged two or three, as well as primary school children, some secondary school children and older kids with long-term health conditions.
But there are other small measures you can take every day that can cut your risk of getting and spreading the flu.
They include:
- Washing your hands often with warm water and soap
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze - or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not your hand
- Bin your used tissues
Dr Babcock also suggested wearing a mask if you're around large groups of people, something many of us will be doing more of this festive season.
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Leading virologist Prof Richard Tedder gave similar advice after new figures revealed whooping cough has seen a 250 per cent increase in cases compared to last year.
When should I worry about flu symptoms?
It's a good idea to get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:
- Your symptoms don't improve after a week
- You're worried about symptoms in your baby or child
- You're 65 and over
- You're pregnant
- You have diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
- You have a weakened immune system
Call 999 or go to A&E if you get sudden chest pain, have difficulty breathing or start coughing up blood.