What Increases Your Risk

Anyone exposed to an influenza (flu) virus can become infected. These viruses are contagious and spread easily among people in groups, such as in nursing homes, hospitals, shelters, schools, and day cares. Working, visiting, or living in any of these areas increases your risk of getting the flu.

The risk of having severe symptoms and complications is higher for:

• Children younger than 2 years of age.
• Adults age 65 and older.
• Pregnant women.
• People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other lung diseases, or heart failure.
• People who have a medical condition (such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) or who are using a medicine that impairs the immune system.

When To Call a Doctor

Callor other emergency services if:

• A baby younger than 3 months has a high fever.
• You are having trouble breathing or feel very short of breath.
• You have a severe headache or stiff neck and are confused or having trouble staying awake.

Call your doctor if:

• You have an extremely high fever.
• Your fever lasts for longer than 3 days.
• You are finding it harder and harder to breathe.
• Wheezing develops.
• New pain develops or pain localizes to one area, such as an ear, the throat, the chest, or the sinuses.
• Symptoms persist in spite of home treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Watchful waiting

In most healthy people, the flu will go away in 5 to 7 days, although fatigue can last much longer. Although you may feel very sick, home treatment is usually all that is needed. If it is flu season, you may just want to treat your symptoms at home. Watch closely for symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as nasal drainage that changes from clear to colored after 5 to 7 days and symptoms that return or get worse.

Early treatment (within 48 hours of your first symptoms) with antiviral medicines may reduce the severity of influenza and may prevent serious flu-related complications.² Babies, older adults, and people who have chronic health problems are more likely to have complications from the flu, and they may need to see a doctor for care beyond home treatment. But not all antiviral medicines work against all strains of the flu. Talk to your doctor if you think you may need an antiviral medicine.

Call your doctor if you think your symptoms are caused by something other than the flu.

Who to see

These health professionals can diagnose and treat the flu:

• Family physician
• Internist
• Pediatrician
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant

A doctor who specializes in treating infectious diseases may be needed if the diagnosis is not clear or if severe complications develop.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.