December 2026
The winter months are peak time for viruses that can cause influenza, also known as the flu. Most cases of the flu are mild, they can still leave you feeling miserable for days or even weeks. Here’s what you need to know about flu symptoms, treatment options, and how to feel better faster.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, low energy, and a stuffy or runny nose, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). The flu can last from a few days to about two weeks. Not everyone with the flu will develop a fever, however.
Some people are at an increased risk of severe flu symptoms and complications, like pneumonia. Those most at risk from the flu include children under the age of two, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with asthma and other chronic conditions.
Here’s how to prevent the worst symptoms — and how to shorten the amount of time you’re sick for.
Get tested as soon as symptoms start
As soon as you feel flu symptoms, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. An over-the-counter or in-pharmacy nasal swab test can tell you if you have the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. Getting tested early lets you start treatment early, which is critical for preventing the flu from progressing.
Ask about prescription medications
Flu antiviral drugs can reduce how long you have the flu and serious symptoms. These are especially important if you are in a high-risk group. The CDC recommends starting flu antivirals within 48 hours of symptom onset. If you wait longer, these drugs may not work as well.
There are four prescription flu antiviral drugs: oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza). Your doctor or pharmacist can help choose which one is best for you.
Use at-home treatments
You can also manage symptoms with over-the-counter medicines. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can help reduce fever and muscle aches. Saline nasal sprays can help unclog a stuffy nose. Staying hydrated, eating a healthful diet, and getting plenty of rest are also important.
Stay home when you’re sick
With the flu, it’s important to stay home not just for your own recovery, but to prevent spreading the flu to others. You are most contagious in the first three days.
The CDC recommends staying home for the first five days of your illness. After day five, you can return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of these things are true:
- Your symptoms are improving.
- You haven’t had a fever (and are not taking fever-reducing drugs).
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wearing face masks are other ways to prevent others from getting sick.
Protect yourself with the flu vaccine
The AMA recommends everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine. It’s not too late to get your flu shot at your doctor’s office or pharmacy. Flu is most active from October through May, and the flu shot offers full protection after about two weeks.
Getting the annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent severe symptoms and flu complications. During the 2024-2025 flu season, according to the CDC’s flu vaccine prevention data, it is estimated that the flu vaccine prevented as many as 10 million symptomatic illnesses, 5 million medical visits, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths.
Know when to seek medical help
Seek emergency care if your flu symptoms turn severe, or you have trouble breathing or chest pain and pressure. Other warning signs include dizziness, confusion, seizures, not urinating, trouble waking up, severe muscle aches or weakness, and symptoms that improve but then return or worsen.
