The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness that can come on suddenly and make you feel very sick within hours.
Unlike a cold, flu symptoms tend to be more intense and develop quickly. Knowing the signs can help you understand what you’re experiencing and what to expect.
Flu symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after exposure and often start suddenly.
Many people describe the flu as feeling like they were “hit by a truck” because of how quickly symptoms come on.
Children may have the same symptoms as adults, but they are more likely to also experience:
Flu symptoms typically follow a pattern:
Most people feel better within 5 to 7 days, though some symptoms can last longer.
Flu symptoms often shift as your body fights the virus:
Understanding this progression can help you know what’s typical.
Flu and cold symptoms can overlap, but there are key differences:
Flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, including fever, cough and fatigue.
Differences may include:
Testing is the only way to confirm which illness you have.
Despite the name, the “stomach flu” is not influenza.
Most flu cases are mild to moderate, but symptoms can become more severe in some people.
Complications may include:
Certain groups are at higher risk for severe symptoms, including young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
You may experience more severe symptoms if you are:
Flu symptoms often come on quickly and can be more intense than a cold. Most people recover within a week, but fatigue and cough may last longer. Recognizing the pattern of symptoms can help you understand what your body is experiencing during the illness.
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