What Happens
(flu) usually comes on suddenly. In many
cases people can pinpoint the hour when symptoms started. Symptoms develop 1 to
4 days after you are infected, and they include:
- Fever, which lasts for about 3 days. Fever is
usually slightly lower on the 2nd and 3rd days but may last up to 8
days.
- Cough, runny nose, and sore throat, which become more
noticeable as fever and other symptoms decrease. These symptoms usually last 3
to 4 days after the fever goes down. A dry, hacking cough may linger for up to
10 days after other symptoms are gone.
Complete recovery may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer. Fatigue
and weakness can last for several weeks.
Complications of
influenza may develop in anyone, but they are much more likely in older adults
and people who have other health problems, especially heart and lung
diseases.