Flu Symptoms, Prevention, & Treatment Tips

Step 1: Prevent^1-3

Wash hands often and thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds), especially after being in public places. This will help keep germs from spreading.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. These are places viruses can enter the body.

Disinfect surfaces frequently, especially high-contact areas like bathrooms, work spaces, and cell phones.

Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, and personal items.

Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.

Practice other healthy habits like getting enough sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.

Get the flu vaccination. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older, unless contraindicated.

Step 2: Identify⁴

If you have any of the symptoms below, you or your child may have the flu. The chance of having the flu is higher if any of these symptoms came on suddenly.

Fever*

Sore throat

Cough

Body aches, especially in the arms, legs, and back

Stuffy or runny nose

Headache

Extreme fatigue

Chills

Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

*Not everyone with flu will have a fever. If you experience any of these symptoms without fever, you still may have the flu.

Step 3: Treat

Consider using an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that’s appropriate for you or your child’s symptoms.⁵

Remember, check every medicine label and take ONLY 1 medicine that contains the same kind of active ingredient at a time.

Flu antiviral drugs used to treat the flu may be recommended.^{1, 5}

If you are very sick with the flu or at risk for serious illness, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug to help treat the flu. Antibiotics won’t work for the flu virus, and they are different than antiviral medications. Your doctor may recommend other medications as well, while you have the flu.

You know your body and child best.

Contact a healthcare professional or seek emergency medical help if any symptoms are causing concern or if you have any questions.

Tips for caring for adults^{5, 6}

Stay at home and rest until your symptoms go away.
Drink lots of fluids to help prevent dehydration.
Use spray or oral decongestants to help with a runny or stuffy nose.
Soothe a sore throat with cough drops or throat sprays and consider a cough suppressant to help with a cough that won’t go away.
Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. These habits can make symptoms worse.

When to call a healthcare professional⁷

Ongoing dizziness
Seizures
Worsening of existing medical conditions
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
No signs of improvement. Flu symptoms typically improve significantly in one week or less
Your symptoms get better and then come back or get worse
You are at high risk for complications because you have certain health conditions, are pregnant, or are age 65 or older

Tips for caring for kids⁸

Keep your child home from daycare or school and resting until their symptoms go away, plus an additional 24 hours after their fever breaks.
Give your child lots of fluids to help prevent dehydration. For babies, talk to a pediatrician about your options.
Use saline (salt) water nose drops or a cool-mist humidifier to help loosen congestion and clear a stuffy nose. For babies, use a suction bulb after using drops to help remove mucus.
Soothe a cough or sore throat with warm liquids. Consider honey if your child is older than 1 year.

When to call a healthcare professional⁸

Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 8 hours
Signs of severe dehydration like dry mouth, no tears, dark urine, or no urine for at least 8 hours
Stomach pain without vomiting
Fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher (or for children under 3 months, a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher)
Fever for 5 or more days
Harsh sounds or wheezing while breathing
Breathing much faster than normal
Lips or face turn blue during coughing

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.