Having the flu is not pleasant, with aches, pains, nausea and a host of other symptoms; it is far from pleasant in fact. However, whilst we all recognize many of the signs, it can be hard to tell how long does the flu actually last? Equally difficult is finding out how long sufferers remain infectious.
Sufferers can expect to have symptoms for up to a week or more, though some people can get over the illness within a day or two. This duration varies according to the severity of the strain of the flu as well as other factors.
Throughout this period, sufferers can expect to remain infectious throughout the majority of this period. However, it is important to stress that sufferers will be infectious a day before any symptoms actually show themselves, whilst primary infection can occur up to four days before any symptoms are felt.
Whilst this is the case for otherwise healthy adults, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems and the young could remain infectious for longer periods of time.
It is the young, the elderly and those with preexisting respiratory conditions that are most vulnerable. However, it is not so much that they are more vulnerable to infection, but more with the severity of the symptoms.
In the most severe of cases, where further health complications arise, death can occur, and regrettably this is a disturbingly high probability for vulnerable groups during the winter months.
The flu virus is passed from person to person in a variety of ways; through saliva when coughing or sneezing, and through close bodily contact, (such as handshaking or kissing), or proxy contact through such items as door handles, keyboards and elevator buttons.
The flu virus can cost millions, and can cost lives. The question should perhaps not so much be; "How long does the flu virus last", but more, "How can I ensure I do not spread the flu virus.
Sufferers can expect to have symptoms for up to a week or more, though some people can get over the illness within a day or two. This duration varies according to the severity of the strain of the flu as well as other factors.
Throughout this period, sufferers can expect to remain infectious throughout the majority of this period. However, it is important to stress that sufferers will be infectious a day before any symptoms actually show themselves, whilst primary infection can occur up to four days before any symptoms are felt.
Whilst this is the case for otherwise healthy adults, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems and the young could remain infectious for longer periods of time.
It is the young, the elderly and those with preexisting respiratory conditions that are most vulnerable. However, it is not so much that they are more vulnerable to infection, but more with the severity of the symptoms.
In the most severe of cases, where further health complications arise, death can occur, and regrettably this is a disturbingly high probability for vulnerable groups during the winter months.
The flu virus is passed from person to person in a variety of ways; through saliva when coughing or sneezing, and through close bodily contact, (such as handshaking or kissing), or proxy contact through such items as door handles, keyboards and elevator buttons.
The flu virus can cost millions, and can cost lives. The question should perhaps not so much be; "How long does the flu virus last", but more, "How can I ensure I do not spread the flu virus.
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