Quick Answer
Duration: Most severe symptoms last 3 to 7 days. You should start feeling better after a week, though fatigue and cough can linger for another week or two.
Contagious Period: You can spread the virus from 1 day before you feel sick until 5 to 7 days after symptoms start.
Flu Timeline: Day by Day
Sudden Onset
High fever (often over 100°F), severe body aches, headache, fatigue, and dry cough hit suddenly. You feel "hit by a truck."
Peak & Subsiding Fever
Fever and body aches usually start to break. Congestion and sore throat may get worse as the fever goes down. You are still very tired.
Recovery
Most symptoms are gone. A dry cough and tiredness can stick around for up to 2 weeks. You are generally no longer contagious.
How to Recover Faster
- • Rest: Sleep is your body's best weapon. Don't try to work through it.
- • Fluids: Water, broth, and electrolytes preventing dehydration from fever.
- • Antivirals: Drugs like Tamiflu can shorten duration by 1-2 days IF taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
When to Return to Work/School
The "24-Hour Rule"
You should stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol or Advil). This is the standard guideline for schools and workplaces.
Medical Review
Reviewed by: Ricardo Hamilton, MD
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic