Flu: Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment & When to Seek Help

Flu hits fast — fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and a cough can knock you out for days. You’ve probably heard that the flu isn’t just a bad cold. It can cause serious complications for young kids, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic illness. This short guide tells you what to watch for, how to treat mild cases at home, and when to get medical help.

The first day often feels sudden: high fever, chills, deep body ache, headache, and tiredness. Cough and sore throat show up early too. Unlike a cold, flu usually brings a hard, all-over fatigue that makes regular tasks feel impossible. If symptoms come on quickly and you have a high fever, treat it as flu until a doctor says otherwise.

Treating the flu

Most healthy adults recover at home with rest, fluids, and symptom relief. Drink water, broth, or electrolyte drinks and sleep when you can. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches — follow dosing instructions and check with a doctor if you’re on other meds. Avoid aspirin in children and teens because of Reye’s syndrome risk.

If you’re high risk (pregnant, under 5, over 65, immune-suppressed, or have chronic heart or lung disease), antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or baloxavir can help — they work best within 48 hours of symptom start. A quick call to your healthcare provider can get you tested and, if needed, a prescription. Antivirals shorten the illness and may lower the chance of complications.

Home care tips that actually help: stay isolated from vulnerable people, wash hands often, use disposable tissues, clean high-touch surfaces, and wear a mask if you must be around others. Humidifiers and warm showers can ease cough and congestion. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke — they make lungs more vulnerable.

When to seek urgent care

Get emergency care if you notice trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, severe confusion, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, lightheadedness). For infants, look for trouble feeding, unusually low energy, or blue lips. If fever lasts more than three days or symptoms suddenly worsen after improving, call a doctor right away.

Vaccination is the best prevention. Annual flu shots reduce your chance of severe illness and hospitalization. Even if you still get sick, vaccinated people usually have milder symptoms. If you’re unsure about whether you or someone in your family is high risk, check with your provider — getting antiviral treatment early can matter.

Practical rule: if you feel suddenly ill with fever, muscle aches, and a bad cough, treat it seriously—rest, hydrate, and contact a healthcare provider if you’re high risk or symptoms get worse. Simple precautions protect you and the people around you.