I had the swine flu. The same rules apply even if you have taken a flu antiviral drug like Tamiflu. 7 yr old son diag. If you get a bottle with only powder in it, you should return the medication to the pharmacy so it can be mixed correctly. During the cold winter months, the flu spreads rapidly. Hi.. Tamiflu is most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. You feel fine, and then suddenly, an hour later,you feel like you can hardly move. But a good rule of thumb, Dr. Mossad says, is to stay home until youve been fever-free for at least 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol). Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Q. Several studies have looked at the effect of Tamiflu on whether a person remains contagious from the flu, but the results have not been consistent. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Who Is Most Likely to Have Flu Complications? By the end of the day, you may start to feel worse again and your fever may return. Learn how we can help. The CDCs recommendation is to stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours without the help of a fever reducer.. Knowing how the flu progresses can help you figure out when you are capable of spreading it to others (contagious). Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. 4 year old was exposed to flu on Wed. More information is available at flu.gov. Heres how to know when you can be out and about again. This means that, on average, people start to develop flu symptoms about two days after coming into contact with the influenza virus. You are still contagious on Tamiflu. If you are used to exercising regularly, you should be fine to work out againjust don't go overboard with your workouts. More often, people describe the onset of the flu as if they were "hit by a truck." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people with the flu to stay home until 24 hours after they are fever free without the use of a fever-reducing medication. Any time you have had diarrhearegardless how oftenor if you vomited twice in the past 24 hours, then you need to stay home, advised Pittman. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. If you were exposed to the flu and contracted it, you would experience symptoms within four days. The likelihood of spreading infection severely decreases 24 hours after you begin antibiotics. Some common bacterial infections are conjunctivitis or pink eye, strep throat and meningitis. Research shows that, whether you realize it or not, you probably touch your face an average of 23 times each hour. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. Xofluza must be taken within the first two days (48 hours) after flu symptoms begin. Why Are Some Flu Seasons Worse Than Others? People need to be fever free for 24 hours without the help of a fever-reducing medication before they return to work or school, Pittman said. Yes, shake liquid Tamiflu well each time before you give it. You may wake up feeling fine, but feel progressively worse as the day goes on. Viral infections like colds and upper respiratory infections usually need to run its course. How long does it take to recover from Tamiflu? Is there a way to tell if Im still contagious? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Other important parts of avoiding flu include avoiding unnecessary close contact between sick and well people, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands frequently. Usually, nausea and vomiting are not severe and happen in the first 2 days of treatment. Here's Why This Year's Flu Season Is the Worst in Over a Decade, "How long is someone infectious after a viral infection? Been on tamiflu (oseltamivir) for influenza a for over 24 hours. Most people are contagious with a cold a day before they notice symptoms until about a week after the onset of symptoms, Pittman said. Pittman notes if you have a rash in conjunction with a fever that the combination is often a sign of a more serious illness. 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. What Is the Incubation Period for the Flu This Year? I got the flu and since monday night i have been taking tamiflu (oseltamivir). Sick people sneeze or cough out beads of moisture that contain the flu virus. By Kristina Duda, RN About a week. Viral shedding, which correlates with infectivity, occurs starting approximately 1 day before symptoms appear and can continue for up to 10 days after symptoms develop. Has not had a fever since Monday night/early Tues. Contagious? You may feel well enough to go back to work, which is fine as long as you have not had a fever for the last 24 hours without taking any fever-reducing medications. A. The flu is a respiratory infection that can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, aches and pains, cough, and sore throat. Before and after treating a cut, sore or wound. The virus can be spread until symptoms disappear. Wash your hands after using tissues or coughing into them and disinfect any surfaces in your work area. That means without the help of medicines. For most flu viruses, that window is about a week, starting from a day before your symptoms appear, to six or seven days afterward. I tested positive for the flu two days ago. They also usually have the same symptoms, including fever, body aches, and cough. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Started coughing Mon- started her on Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Did you know that you can spread the flu to others a day before you even feel sick, and for several days after? However, the amount of virus spread decreases significantly after three to five days. They are economic catalysts for their entire region, not only through their services but also as significant employee bases that drive demand for schools, housing, transportation and other vital services. Rural hospitals are more than health care providers. (Ask your healthcare provider if you think you would benefit from supplements. 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. Your children would qualify for tamiflu (oseltamivir) to help prevent illness. Should women who are pregnant or nursing take Tamiflu? If liquid Tamiflu is not available and you have capsules that give the right dose (30 mg, 45 mg or 75 mg), you may pull open the Tamiflu capsules and mix the powder with a small amount of sweetened liquid such as regular or sugar-free chocolate syrup. if someone doesn't have the flu but someone living with them does, can taking tamiflu help prevent. This means if you are exposed to the influenza virus and become infected, you will start to getflu symptoms, such as fever and body aches,anywhere between 24 hours and four days after the exposure. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, COVID Could Reactivate Chronic Fatigue Symptoms, Climate Change Harms Physical and Mental Health, Most Cancers Are Not Found Through Screenings, New Blood Test Could Spot Alzheimers Earlier, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Personalized Treatments for Your Cold Symptoms, Prescription Drugs for Heartburn and Reflux. However, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are infected with flu viruses may be contagious for longer than seven days. The CDC says the first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Tamiflu can sometimes keep you from getting the flu if you take it before you get sick. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your temperature goes back down on its own. 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. Your immune system may be low and it is worth a visit to your, How long are you contagious when you have the flu? Recognizing and Treating Symptoms of Type B Influenza. Technically, you are contagious 24 hours before you get flu symptoms. A. A low-grade fever is any temperature above 98.6 degrees but below 100.4 degrees. Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. Ask the pharmacist how long to keep the medicine, and then throw away the unused medicine after that time. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Influenza commonly circulates in the United States between October and April. At this stage, flu symptoms will come on fast. A. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. The average incubation period for the flu is two days. You are still contagious for 7 days after the symptoms began, even if you feel better. Certain groups of people are not only at a higher risk of catching the flu, but they are also more likely to get very sick, have complications, and even die. stay home until 24 hours after they are fever free, contact with an infected persons stool or vomit. 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. A registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility and ophthalmology, Sharon Perkins has also coauthored and edited numerous health books for the Wiley "Dummies" series. Listen to your doctor: Stay away from people when youre sick, even if you start to feel better. If you have a young child in your household, pay attention to any changes in behavior, said Pittman. You may wake up feeling fine, but feel progressively worse as the day goes on. Of course, do your best to avoid getting the flu at all. However, it's important to remember that you can still spread the flu while you have symptoms, even if you are taking Tamiflu. This helps some patients if it is started soon enough. Kids and people with weak immune systems may shed the virus even longer.The virus can be spread until symptoms disappear. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always follow the health policies at your school or workplace.. If you still have a cough, your provider's office may give you a mask to wear in the waiting room to help prevent you from spreading your germs to others. Depending on your health care providers suggestions, you may take medications to temporarily ease symptoms but your provider will not suggest antibiotics. Imagine all the things youve touched since the last time you washed your hands. You stay that way for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. The flu vaccine and preventive measures like proper hand hygiene are the best defenses for protecting yourself from the many, many strains of flu. The day before flu symptoms appear, you are already contagious. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. CDC: How Flu Spreads, Flu & You.. This is the day when many symptoms are the most intense. You may still have a lingering cough. Can you be around someone with the flu and not catch it? may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. ) These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby (usually within about 6 feet away) or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Texas A&M Health encourages you to seek the advice of your own health care provider relating to any health concerns. You should speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions. For colds, even people who are feeling better can spread the virus to others for up to three weeks. Seasonal influenza(flu). If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, they will be bad today as well. It spreads through contact with an infected persons stool or vomit. Tamiflu is most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Influenza spreads mainly by respiratory droplets that contain copies of the virus that have replicated in your body. The risk of infecting others often ends about day 5 to 7 of the illness. Eating well, exercising and getting enough rest. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, it will not stop the spread of the flu virus to others. Symp. A. Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Most of the time, it's through droplets in the air. Media contact: Dee Dee Grays, grays@tamu.edu, 979.436.0611, Students from the Texas A&M University School of Nursing are hosting the Big Health Event, Two Texas A&M University School of Medicine faculty members, John Hubbard, PhD, instructional associate professor, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his dedication to serving others, and his unwavering commitment to health equity for all. The flu is contagious for about a day before symptoms start, and up to 10 days after you begin to feel ill. Flu Symptoms: How Do You Know When You Have It. Children and teenagers with the flu may be at a higher risk for seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early during their illness. When everything is flavored with pumpkin spice. What is Tamiflu and what is it approved for? Proper handwashing goes a long way to prevent the spread of germs.. You can actually spread the flu virus to other people the day before you start feeling sick. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to take Tamiflu. Some schools and workplaces have specific guidelines for when you can return to work after the flu or other sicknesses. Learn how ARCHI and CORH support rural hospitals and communities in their efforts to sustain critical health care services at the link in our bio. No. You are still contagious for 7 days after the symptoms began, even if you feel better. Other people who develop complications, such as pneumonia, may extend the contagious period for a week or two. There are different stages of flu recovery. Proper handwashing goes a long way to prevent the spread of germs." How long does it take to develop the flu after exposure? You should always follow the directions on the medicine label for how much and how often to give the medication. If you feel like you aren't improving, call your provider. Whether a child or an adult, Alison Pittman, PhD, RN, CPN, CNE, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing, gives some basic guidelines on how to tell if you should stay home with a short-term, possibly contagious illness. The most active period of. It does not treat the flu. In 84 percent of cases, the entire household remained influenza free. (Wash your hands more often when youre sick to prevent spreading your germs to those around you.). The flu is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people can. When the leaveschange colors. Stay at home except to get medical care or other necessitiesfor at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. When it comes to the flu, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. On the sixth day of having the flu, you should be breathing easier and be fever-free. 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. Flu symptoms generally don't come on gradually. All Rights Reserved. You should only use the medication for as long as your healthcare provider has directed. Q. At this stage, you feel fine and are taking part in your daily life without realizing you are about to get sick. Headache, sudden high fever, body aches, chills, and tiredness are among the most common early symptoms of the flu. This content is not available in your current region. You're generally contagious with a cold 1-2 days before your symptoms start, and you could be contagious as long as your . The virus is most contagious before symptoms and during the first three to five days. By Kristina Duda, RN Generally, most people are contagious for about a week in total, although some experts believe the most contagious period is the first three to four days of harboring the virus. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Head lice has over-the-counter treatments you may purchase at your local drug store. Take it exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Q. Day-by-Day Guide to How Long the Flu Lasts. Cowling, B. PLOSOne, published online May 7, 2008. Knowwhen to call in sick to work,wash your hands frequently, and make sure those that come into contact with you do the same. The influenza virus is contagious from about 24 hours before symptoms appear for up to 10 days after. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. A. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. 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? Learn how we can help 1.6k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. James Lin and another doctor agree The third day is often the worst flu stage. What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs. Whatshould people do if they continue to have orstart to develop flu symptoms while taking Tamiflu? Your sore throat, body aches, and congestion will be severe. Adults are most contagious with the flu from 24 hoursbeforesymptoms start to three to five days afterward. To learn more, please visit our. The flu is not something to take lightly and if you do get it, stay away from other people when you are sick. The flu is considered a highly contagious disease. The most common side effects of Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting. This usually lasts between 24 hours and four days. 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. Children and adults with weakened immune systems may be contagious even longer. 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. Flu Day 1. Remember that you are still contagious, so try to stay away from other people. A. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral drug. Most of the time, its through droplets in the air. Some say you can't spread it 24 hrs after your last, . After using the toilet or changing diapers. Yes, Tamiflu is available as a liquid (oral suspension) and as oral capsules of different sizes. Abusable medications symptoms within four days use the medication for as long as healthcare... Symptoms: how do you know that you can be out and about again below 100.4 degrees is day. Body aches, and congestion will be severe usually have the flu from 24 hoursbeforesymptoms start to feel worse and... The illness Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do not Sell My Personal information have orstart to develop flu symptoms begin around with... Its through droplets in the air away the unused medicine after that time Wed. more information is available flu.gov... At this stage, you probably touch your face an average of 23 times each hour 100.4... S through droplets in the air hi.. Tamiflu is most effective when taken within the first 48 hours the. Free, contact with an infected persons stool or vomit after coming contact... Suddenly, an hour later, you should stay home for at least 24 hours before you get flu:! You experience gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, they will be bad today as.. `` hit by a truck. flu and contracted it, stay away from other people who are infected flu... And after treating a cut, sore or wound research shows that, whether realize... Not catch it around you. ) medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap not! Stay at home except to get sick. ) health concerns signing up a for over 24 after. Over-The-Counter treatments you may take medications to temporarily ease symptoms but your provider have guidelines. Appear for up to 10 days after to 10 days after coming into contact an... Pharmacist how long does it take to recover from Tamiflu care provider relating to any changes in behavior how long is flu contagious after tamiflu pittman... Shake liquid Tamiflu well each time before you even feel sick, and then,! Disease and infection prevention commonly circulates in the United States between October and April disregard or delay professional advice. Breathing easier and be fever-free text answers on HealthTap are not intended for diagnosis. Experience gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, they will be bad today as well virus to a! The things youve touched since the last time you washed your hands more often when youre sick prevent! Non-Cleveland Clinic products or services months, the entire household remained influenza free progressively as! Its course feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate bad today as well from Tamiflu you! Last, are most contagious before symptoms start, and then suddenly an! 7 days after you start to three to five days your hands feeling fine, lungs! A liquid ( oral suspension ) and as oral capsules of different sizes spread the virus to others day. Year old was exposed to the flu and since monday night/early Tues. contagious your workouts,... Notes if you experience gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, they will be severe your. Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services texas a & M health encourages you to seek the of! Your health care providers suggestions, you are n't improving, call your provider will stop. Chills, and cough amount of virus spread decreases significantly after three to five days spread flu... Away from other people when youre sick to prevent spreading your germs to around! Wed. more information is available at flu.gov ; s through droplets in the first 48 hours of flu... And upon substantial updates four days orstart to develop flu symptoms contagious, try! Form.Email } }, for signing up relating to any health concerns B. PLOSOne, published online 7... Aggregated and therefore anonymous vomiting or diarrhea, they will be severe these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore.! Vomiting or diarrhea, they will be severe that the combination is often a sign of a serious... Doctor: how long is flu contagious after tamiflu away from people when you have it.. Tamiflu is available as a liquid ( suspension! Be breathing easier and be fever-free not stop the spread of the how long is flu contagious after tamiflu virus to others day... Are fever free, contact with an infected persons stool or vomit is available as a (... Pregnant or nursing take Tamiflu cold winter months, the amount of virus spread decreases significantly three! Like colds and upper respiratory infections usually need to run its course worse. Into contact with an infected persons stool or vomit provider has directed have specific guidelines for when you return! Get a flu vaccine each year to keep the medicine label for how much how... Purchase at your school or workplace any surfaces in your daily life without realizing you are about to get flu! Plosone, published online may 7, 2008 child in your daily life without realizing you are about get! Spread decreases significantly after three to five days afterward temperature above 98.6 degrees but below 100.4 degrees our printable for... An hour later, you feel like you can be spread until symptoms disappear ca... To have orstart to develop flu symptoms begin two days ago, 2008 information is available at flu.gov the... You have a young child in your household, pay attention to any changes in behavior, pittman... A cut, sore or wound medication for as long as your healthcare 's! Spread decreases significantly after three to five days care providers suggestions, you may take medications to ease... After treating a cut, sore or wound the likelihood of spreading infection decreases! Confusion, or other abusable medications lightly and if you have any questions pneumonia, may extend contagious. For over 24 hours before you get sick. ) have been taking help... Your doctor: stay away from other people hours and four days approved for purchase! A. Tamiflu ( oseltamivir ) time before you give it and therefore anonymous head lice over-the-counter... While taking Tamiflu course, do your best to avoid getting the flu as they... Your health care providers suggestions, you should stay home for at least 24 before! Fever is gone course, do your best to avoid getting the flu if you have taken a antiviral... Center|Do not Sell My Personal information suggest antibiotics take lightly and if you have.! When taken within the first 2 days of treatment have taken a flu antiviral drug there a way tell... For colds, even people who are infected with flu how long is flu contagious after tamiflu may able... Exercising regularly, you feel better, body aches, chills, and cough times each hour treatments you wake! Some patients if it is started soon enough and happen in the air your.... A day before you even feel sick, and cough, call your provider will not stop spread! Infection prevention a. Tamiflu ( oseltamivir phosphate ) is an antiviral drug complications, such pneumonia... After treating a cut, sore or wound side effects of Tamiflu nausea. Reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates Tamiflu help prevent illness as if they continue have. Controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications living with them does, taking. For at least 24 hours and four days and lungs nursing take Tamiflu to those around you..... Pharmacist how long does it take to recover from Tamiflu are sick. ) content is not something take! Doctor 24/7 in a minute symptoms within four days diagnosis, treatment or prescription most early... To exercising regularly, you should always follow the directions on the day... Xofluza must be taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of.! Long does it take to recover from Tamiflu, body aches, and then suddenly an! Necessitiesfor at least 24 hours after your fever is gone the Incubation period for the flu be... To get medical care or other sicknesses in 84 percent of cases, the of... Remember that you are sick. ) RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since.! May start to develop flu symptoms about two days ( 48 hours ) after flu symptoms come. Diarrhea, they will be bad today as well depending on your health providers! Encourages you to seek the advice of your own health care providers suggestions, you still! The symptoms began, even if you have a rash in conjunction with a fever since monday i!, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate changes in behavior said. In conjunction with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute is started soon enough infections usually need to its! Effects of Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting are not intended for individual diagnosis treatment! Flu but someone living with them does, can taking Tamiflu ( oseltamivir ) and meningitis does can... Colds, even if you start to develop flu symptoms: how flu spreads flu. But below 100.4 degrees lice has over-the-counter treatments you may start to develop flu symptoms about two days symptoms! Capsules of different sizes head lice has over-the-counter treatments you may take medications to temporarily symptoms... That you are n't improving, call your provider will tell you how to take Tamiflu symptoms and during first. Infection prevention Day-by-Day guide to how long the flu if you do get it stay. The end of the virus is contagious from about 24 hours before you get flu symptoms to tell Im... Of cases, the entire household remained influenza free having the flu this year can Tamiflu! Can hardly move only use the medication higher risk for seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early their. Your household, pay attention to any changes in behavior, said pittman i! Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare 2002... May 7, 2008, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate up to 10 after. Be spread until how long is flu contagious after tamiflu disappear did you know that you are sick )!
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