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What Happens If I Get the Flu?
If you think you have the flu, it’s important to:
- Rest and take care of yourself
- Stay home from work to avoid spreading the virus
- Wear a mask if you need to go out, for example, to see your doctor or pick up medicines
- Call your doctor right away to see whether you should start antiviral treatment (this is 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.
Don't Delay: Many adults tend to put off calling the doctor. They may think to themselves, “I’ll wait. Maybe I’ll feel better tomorrow.” But the truth is that to get the most benefit from these medicines, they need to be started as soon as possible after the onset of 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.
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
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
Remember that people with the flu are most contagious, or able to spread the infection to others, one day before you start feeling sick and for 5-7 days after symptoms begin.
- Last Edited 09/30/2025