What If I Get the Flu?

If you think you have the flu, it’s important to: 

• Take care of yourself
• Stay home from work to avoid spreading the virus
• Not make any decisions to adjust your regular medications without talking with your health care professional 
• Contact your health care professional right away to discuss treatment options

Antiviral medications are available with a prescription. These medicines can make the illness milder, shorten the length of time you’re sick and may help guard against flu-related complications. But these medicines work best when they are started within 48 hours of noticing symptoms.

Your health professional is in the best position to decide whether an antiviral is right for you and any other members of your household.

Remember that people with the flu are most contagious, or able to spread the infection to others, in the first three-to-four days after their illness starts, according to the CDC.

Early Flu Symptoms

Unlike the common cold, the flu comes on suddenly. People who have the flu usually experience some or all these symptoms:

• Fever, though not always
• Muscle or body aches
• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea, but these are more likely in children than adults.