What Are Flu Symptoms and How Long Do They Last?

Flu symptoms are often numerous and may resemble the symptoms of a common cold. In most cases the flu symptoms are more intense than those of a common cold. According to the CDC, flu symptoms may include some or all of the following:

Headache
High Fever
Tiredness/weakness which can be extreme
Runny Nose
Body and/or Muscle Aches
Dry Cough
Sore Throat
Diarrhea and Vomiting (usually more common in children)

If someone is experiencing flu-like symptoms, they may choose to see their doctor and ask for the QuickVue® Influenza A+B Test. The test is easy for the physician to administer and takes only 10 minutes to get a result. The QuickVue Influenza A+B Test is an accurate rapid flu test, that assists the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis.¹

How Long Do Flu Symptoms Last?
According to the CDC, the flu typically lasts anywhere from a few days up to 2 weeks after it has been contracted. The length of the flu may be longer than 14 days for those in high risk categories for the illness. This may include: children under five, pregnant women, people over 50 years of age, and those living in assisted care or nursing homes. If the QuickVue test is administered at the onset of the symptoms, and the flu is identified within 48 hours after it has been contracted, then a physician may choose to prescribe an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu, which may help to shorten the duration of the flu and may reduce some of the flu symptoms.²

¹http://www.flutest.com/flu-facts/flu-symptoms.htm
http://www.flutest.com/rapid-flu-test/

²http://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.htm