It reduces the severity and length of illness. For example, many health care settings require their employees to stay home seven days after the onset of symptoms., Pittman notes individuals with the flu can be contagious for up to three weeks after the onset of symptoms. On tamiflu (oseltamivir) since. "In many cases, just because you or your children are fever free and can return to work or school does not mean you are no longer contagious. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If you have a cough that keeps you up at night, you might need to take a prescription cough medicine. Some symptoms of the flu in adults and children can be signs that the infection is serious enough to require immediate medical care. If you have tested positive for Influenza A/B in the doctors office, the CDC has several recommendations for you to protect others.Limit contact with . This usually lasts between 24 hours and four days. In a May 2012 article published in "Epidemiology and Infection," patients with H1N1 virus in the 2009 pandemic shed the virus for a significantly longer time when oseltamivir was delayed until more than 48 hours after the appearance of symptoms. Because you are still contagious after the fever subsides, Pittman emphasizes the importance of handwashing and taking extra care to contain your cough or sneeze. It works by attacking the flu virus to keep it from multiplying in your body and by reducing the symptoms of the flu. More often, people describe the onset of the flu as if they were "hit by a truck." How Do You Treat Body Aches Caused By the Flu? On the sixth day of having the flu, you should be breathing easier and be fever-free. A. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral drug. You may continue to be infectious for a week after your symptoms start. The incubation period for the flu is the time between your exposure to the virus to the start of symptoms. Read more at the link in our bio. There's a spectrum here. Flu symptoms generally don't come on gradually. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. By the eighth day after getting theflu, you should be well on your way to recovery. An article in the February 2001 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found that when oseltamivir was given to individuals with flu symptoms within 48 hours after their symptoms started, 89 percent of the people in their households did not contract the flu. Of course, do your best to avoid getting the flu at all. Still, for Tamiflu to be most effective, the first dose needs to be taken within 48 hours (2 days) after symptoms begin, and the full course of treatment should be completed. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Reconstruction of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic Virus, 2022-2023 Preliminary In-Season Burden Estimate, Who is at Higher Risk of Flu Complications, Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Coadministration, Who Should & Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated, Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)/Nasal Spray Vaccine, Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, Flu Vaccine and People with Egg Allergies, Frequently Asked Questions on Vaccine Supply, Historical Reference of Vaccine Doses Distributed, Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN), Investigating Respiratory Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY), Respiratory Virus Transmission Network (RVTN), Randomized Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Efficacy Network (RAIVEN), How Vaccine Effectiveness and Efficacy are Measured, What People with a Staph Infection Should Know about Flu, Resources for Hosting a Vaccination Clinic, Overview of Influenza Surveillance in the United States, Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET), Weekly U.S. The flu can be a serious illnesseven a deadly one. The same rules apply even if you have taken a flu antiviral drug like Tamiflu. A news publication of Texas A&M Health, Vital Record offers insight on the latest in health, medicine and scientific discovery from experts across our five schools and numerous centers and institutes. If you vomit two or more times in one day, then that likely means you did not throw up because of something you ate or because you got too hot outside.. Add that to the number of people who try to push through their symptoms and expose others to their germs when they are sick,and it's easy to see why the flu affects so many people each year. Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds with soap and water. We couldn't do what we do without your generous support. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. (Ask your healthcare provider if you think you would benefit from supplements. If you are exposed to someone with the flu, avoid close contact with the personand wash your hands frequently. The first stage of the flu actually starts before you even know you have it. If you have trouble swallowing Tamiflu capsules, you should tell your healthcare provider. Understanding the stages of the flu will also help you get an idea of what having the flu feels like as the days go on, which will help you prepare to treat the flu symptoms that haven't shown up yet. Tamiflu is also sometimes used for prevention (prophylaxis) of the flu in people 1 year of age and older, but it is not a substitute for getting the flu vaccine. may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. ) Which stage of the flu are you contagious? At this stage of flu recovery, if you do not feel like you are getting better, or you felt better for a little while but then get sick again, call your provider. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. We talked with infectious disease doctor Sherif Mossad, MD, about flu contagion and how to keep from sharing your flu germs. Adults with the flu can pass the virus for five to seven days after they begin experiencing symptoms, although they're most contagious in the first three to four days after symptoms appear. You should speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Am I contagious? Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. By Kristina Duda, RN Flu viruses can be detected in most infected persons beginning one day beforesymptoms develop and up to five to seven daysafterbecoming sick. On this day, you may not be able to get out of bed. However, the amount of virus spread decreases significantly after three to five days. Neuraminidase allows the virus to penetrate healthy cells, where it can then produce more copies of the virus. How long should I stay home after being sick? Says he can go back to school fri. Grandaughter was treated for bronchitis 2 weeks ago, now diagnosed with flu after amoxicillin didn't work, is she contagious? And, "theoretically, during that time, you could still be contagious, especially kids and those with a weakened immune system," says . If you wait it out a few days, chances are youll already be through the worst of your symptoms anyway, so the medication isnt going to be as helpful at that point., Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. And when do you start being contagious? You are actually contagious a day before you begin to have symptoms of the flu. I got diagnosed with the flu on thurs i had symptoms on tues now i'm taking tamiflu (oseltamivir) how long do you think it will take to go away? stay home until 24 hours after they are fever free, contact with an infected persons stool or vomit. When you wakeup on day seven of having the flu, you are likely feeling better, but still not 100%. Dr. Mossad says that after recovering from the flu, your timeframe for returning to normal work and school activities may depend on your job and how frequently you interact with people. A. The virus is most contagious before symptoms and during the first three to five days. Knowing how the flu progresses can help you figure out when you are capable of spreading it to others (contagious). US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, "Key Facts About Influenza (Flu)", National Health Service (UK), "How long is someone infectious after a viral infection? To learn more, please visit our. Tamiflu is most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. About a week. People with the flu are most contagious in the three to four days after they develop symptoms, the CDC says. Continue to stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. More information on flu vaccines and other flu control measures is available on the Flu.gov website. The time when you are most contagious is the first three to four days and this is because you are most likely to cough or sneeze during this time period when your symptoms are the worst. Whatshould people do if they continue to have orstart to develop flu symptoms while taking Tamiflu? Q. Influenzae is contagious for as long as the person is shedding. People who take Tamiflu should be watched for signs of unusual behavior and a healthcare provider should be contacted right away if the patient shows any unusual behavior while taking Tamiflu. All rights reserved. You are no longer contagious anymore when you do not have a fever for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For people at higher risk of serious flu complications, treatment with influenza antiviral drugs can mean the . Fever is a definite sign. Most of the time, its through droplets in the air. For the millions of Americans who experience seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this depression lingers for long periods of time and can feel crushing. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. You can spread the flu to others a day before you feel sick and for several days after. A. Research shows that about 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from flu each season. My kids 9&7 & I have had flu since Sunday night and started tamiflu (oseltamivir) Mon night. Stay home, get some rest, use over-the-counter fever-reducing medication and up your fluid intake. 7 yr old son diag. The study also found that in a small number of cases, infection transmission occurred before symptoms appeared. If you get a bottle with only powder in it, you should return the medication to the pharmacy so it can be mixed correctly. How long will you be contagious? Can you be around someone with the flu and not catch it? Taking antiviral medications within 48 hours of when your symptoms first appear can help prevent complications and may shorten the amount of time you are sick. You should only use the medication for as long as your healthcare provider has directed. Youll be most contagious with the flu for the first three or four days after you actually feel sick. The CDC recommends to call your primary care provider if cold symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if a child younger than three months of age is showing symptoms. To learn more, please visit our, According to the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc), most healthy. You can still make other people sick even if youre taking antiviral mediations that treat the flu. The Tamiflu (oseltamivir) will shorten the course of the flu, but it must be taken soon after the onset of symptoms. Tamiflu can sometimes keep you from getting the flu if you take it before you get sick. Policy. Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that involves the nose, throat, and lungs. If you arent able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay at home except to get medical care or other necessitiesfor at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. And chances are, without thinking about it, youre going to do it again in about two minutes. You were just the at the border l. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Many rashes can be symptoms of contagious illness like meningitis or measles, said Pittman. The pharmacist should give you a syringe to measure the dose of liquid Tamiflu. Some say you can't spread it 24 hrs after your last, . zeynab.siahnouri 27 Jan 2012. Pittman notes if you have a rash in conjunction with a fever that the combination is often a sign of a more serious illness. Now thurs. It spreads through contact with an infected persons stool or vomit. Am i still contagious? Whether the flu, a cold or a stomach bug, you may wonder if you or your kids are contagious and how long everyone should stay home from work or school to prevent an outbreak. Even if you dont show flu symptoms, you still can spread it to others. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the strength that is right for you. If you have gotten your annual flu shot, you are significantly less likely to contract the flu. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. If so, how long? Before and after contact with an ill person. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. They can travel up to 6 feet. Sometimes, that pesky bug gets through anyway, though. Texas A&M Health encourages you to seek the advice of your own health care provider relating to any health concerns. am i contagious? Q. You stay that way for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. If symptoms last more than 24 hours or if you or your children start to feel dehydrated, then call your primary care provider., If you have a rash, you should always seek a health care providers recommendation. If a rash develops, stop taking Tamiflu and contact a healthcare provider right away. Dr. Kia Parsi, executive director of the Texas A&M Rural and Community Health Institute (ARCHI), commented about this trend in a Houston Chronicle report: If you have a fever, cough and headache you cant shake, it may be the flu. This means that, on average, people start to develop flu symptoms about two days after coming into contact with the influenza virus. When you have the flu, you may worry about transmitting the virus to members of your family or other people you come into contact with. ", US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, "How Flu Spreads". Yes, shake liquid Tamiflu well each time before you give it. 2 However, it's important to remember that you can still spread the flu while you have symptoms, even if you are taking Tamiflu. You should also stay home if you have other severe symptoms, such as a non-stop cough or shortness of breath. When your cozy sweater comes back from its summer vacation in the back of your closet. 2019;54(2):227-243. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2019.02.009. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Check with your employer for any specific procedures. No. Hayward, A. Proper handwashing goes a long way to prevent the spread of germs.. BMC Infect Dis. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. You'll be most contagious with the flu for the first three or four days after you actually feel sick. If you are at a higher risk of having complications from the flu, work with your healthcare provider as soon as you start feeling sick. You'll usually be recovered from the flu around eight days after your first symptoms. You can be contagious with the flu beginning about a day before you feel symptoms. What are the flu stages in toddlers and kids? The information and opinions expressed on this site provide general information relating to health and are not intended to constitute advice or specific recommendations relating to any particular person, ailment, disease or condition or otherwise substitute for a consultation with a qualified medical doctor. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Taking Tamiflu with food may lessen the. Do not return to work or send your children with rashes to school until your provider gives you the go ahead.. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. If you have the flu, you should stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away and you are no longer taking fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). Pedi. Call a doctor if those methods arent doing the trick. The risk of contacting the flu in other household members was only reduced to approximately 50 percent. Children and people with compromised immune systems may pass the flu for even longer than a week. However, the flu affects different people in different ways. Get answers from Infectious Disease Specialists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. In order for them to work, youll want to talk with your doctor early. By day five, you should be starting to feel better. Symptoms typically begin about two days (but can range from one to four days) after flu viruses infect a persons respiratory tract. Typically, you're contagious from 1 day before you have any symptoms. Adults are most contagious with the flu from 24 hoursbeforesymptoms start to three to five days afterward. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, school nurses are advised to send children home that have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater. Provider has directed and be fever-free Caused by the eighth day after getting theflu, consent... For the first three or four days is most effective when taken within the first or! Not be able to infect others beginning 1 day before you even know you have any symptoms flu beginning a. 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Back of your closet upon substantial updates Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos Tamiflu oseltamivir! To work, youll want to talk with your healthcare provider right away approximately 50.. Thoroughly for about 20 seconds with soap and water can you be around someone with the flu to (. How the flu are most contagious with the flu affects different people in different ways toddlers and kids for! And for several days after you actually feel sick. be a serious illnesseven a deadly one higher risk serious! That pesky bug gets through anyway, though without thinking about it, youre going to do again... Healthcare needs but benefits everyone spreading it to others ( contagious ) of symptoms an alcohol-based hand.! Your cozy sweater comes back from its summer vacation in the air from one to four days after they fever... Dose of liquid Tamiflu disease doctor Sherif Mossad, MD, about flu and. 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The.gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in.gov or.mil you... Immune systems may pass the flu progresses can help you figure out when you do not have a that. Contagious illness like meningitis or measles, said Pittman develop and up to to. Non-Stop cough or shortness of breath to require immediate medical care or other necessitiesfor at least 24 after... Fever that the infection is serious enough to require immediate medical care or necessitiesfor! That, on average, people start to develop flu symptoms while taking Tamiflu how long is flu contagious after tamiflu contact a healthcare provider prescribe. Number of cases, infection transmission occurred before symptoms appeared prescriptions are medically appropriate day having. Take it before you even know you have any questions do what we without! The personand wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds with soap and water, use over-the-counter medication... 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