Read our. Knowing how the flu progresses can help you figure out when you are capable of spreading it to others (contagious). Once you realize you are sick with the flu, call your healthcare provider especially if you have asthma or another condition that puts you at higher risk for flu-related complications. ". Patients with more complicated cases may need to take it for longer. At this point, you are still contagious. 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. Most people can. stay home until 24 hours after they are fever free, contact with an infected persons stool or vomit. At this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women who are sick from influenza should be treated with a flu drug because of concerns that they could develop more severe illness. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. (Ask your healthcare provider if you think you would benefit from supplements. zeynab.siahnouri 27 Jan 2012. If a person would have produced immunity to a strain of influenza virus without taking Tamiflu, she should still produce immunity even while taking Ta Tamiflu (oseltamivir) per the cdc should be used in people with documented flu who have other serious health problems to help them get over the flu. Tamiflu acts by reducing the number of cells in your body that are affected by the influenza virus. Yes, liquid Tamiflu (oral suspension) should be stored in the refrigerator. First, if you sneeze, cough, or talk, microscopic droplets are released into the air as far as 6 feet away from you. You stay that way for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Usually, nausea and vomiting are not severe and happen in the first 2 days of treatment. Many rashes can be symptoms of contagious illness like meningitis or measles, said Pittman. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, school nurses are advised to send children home that have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater. You can spread the flu to others a day before you feel sick and for several days after. It reduces the severity and length of illness. Does the liquid (oral suspension) need to be refrigerated? 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. All Rights Reserved. The flu is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. People with flu can spread it to others. For people at higher risk of serious flu complications, treatment with influenza antiviral drugs can mean the . How is tamiflu (oseltamivir) for the flu? You may start to feel a little better during the day. Therefore, they can transmit the virus. If you have a cough that keeps you up at night, you might need to take a prescription cough medicine. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral drug that can shorten the duration of influenza (flu) symptoms. Persons are most contagious during the 24 hours before symptoms appear and may be contagious for up to 5 -7 days after getting sick. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. However, the amount of virus spread decreases significantly after three to five days. It may take one to four days after exposure to the influenza virus for symptoms to develop. When it comes to the flu, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Yes, being exposed to the flu does not automatically mean you will catch it. If you have a low-grade fever, and you feel fine, you can participate in your usual day-to-day activities, but you need to listen to your body. She recommends if you start to feel achy, begin to sweat or develop a headache, then take your temperature again, then go home. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. 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. 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. According to the US CDC, the flu and Covid-19 share very similar symptoms. Here's Why This Year's Flu Season Is the Worst in Over a Decade, "How long is someone infectious after a viral infection? 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. The CDC recommends four FDA-approved drugs to treat the flu: baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza),oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. A. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nobody really knows when one person stops being contagious with influenza (with or without Tamiflu treatment). The most active period of. US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, "Key Facts About Influenza (Flu)", National Health Service (UK), "How long is someone infectious after a viral infection? Who Is Most Likely to Have Flu Complications? You should speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If you have the flu, you should stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away and you are no longer taking fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). Rural hospitals are more than health care providers. i got better from the flu but since then i continue to have a cold. Typically, you're contagious from 1 day before you have any symptoms. Han A, Poon JL, Powers JH 3rd, Leidy NK, Yu R, Memoli MJ. Antiviral medicationsare most effective when they are started within the first 48 hours that you have flu symptoms. That's why keeping your distance as much as possible for several days is important." You may continue to be infectious for a week after your symptoms start. After touching garbage, body fluids or anytime you have doubt if your hands are clean. And when do you start being contagious? By the next day, you can start passing the flu to others. Tamiflu is most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The flu is contagious from the day before you start showing symptoms till approximately five to seven days after your symptoms start. And chances are, without thinking about it, youre going to do it again in about two minutes. Taking Tamiflu with food may lessen the. When Should I Go to the Hospital for the Flu? It does not treat the flu. 3-5 days: The Tamiflu (oseltamivir) will shorten the course of the flu, but it must be taken soon after the onset of symptoms. If you have the flu, you'll be contagious one day before. The virus is most contagious before symptoms and during the first three to five days. When the leaveschange colors. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. may shorten this by a day, but there is actually little data looking at your question. Because it can be hard to tell which illness is viral and bacterial, Pittman suggests calling your health care provider for guidance if your symptoms do not start to improve after two to three days. If you are used to exercising regularly, you should be fine to work out againjust don't go overboard with your workouts. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Toddlers and children who are sick will progress through the stages of the flu similar to how adults do. Do not return to work or send your children with rashes to school until your provider gives you the go ahead.. It does not treat the flu. Today is the fifth day since it started on sat am I still contagious? The contagious period for the flu begins about 1 day before symptoms start and can last as long as 5-7 days from when you first felt sick. Your fever is likely to have broken, you shouldn't have as many body aches, and any congestion you've been having should start to loosen up. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. If you do get sick,stay home. Even if you dont show flu symptoms, you still can spread it to others. Is Tamiflu a substitute for the flu vaccine? Do I take Tamiflu the same way for treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of the flu? 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Although the cold, dry air may mean the virus moves and infects people more easily, it does not actually cause the illness. Higher than 99.5 F (37.5 C) in children, if measured orally. 1 way to keep viruses from elbowing their way into your body and making you sick. Early treatment equals better results. An article in the February 2001 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found that when oseltamivir was given to individuals with flu symptoms within 48 hours after their symptoms started, 89 percent of the people in their households did not contract the flu. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. All rights reserved. You are still contagious for 7 days after the symptoms began, even if you feel better. On tamiflu (oseltamivir) since. The stages of flu recovery tend to follow a day-by-day progression. No. At some times there might not be enough of the pre-packaged liquid Tamiflu made by the manufacturer. People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Prevention (prophylaxis) is a term used when someone who does not have flu symptoms is given Tamiflu to help stop them from getting the flu because they are exposed to or come into close contact with someone (for example live with or take care of someone) who has the flu. Mdicos de la Escuela de Medicina explican las opciones entre los diferentes tipos de vacunas y cuando vacunarse. Dr. Mossad explains that the flu spreads when tiny droplets of virus-laden particles are exchanged between people. Q. People who take Tamiflu should be watched for signs of unusual behavior and a healthcare provider should be contacted right away if the patient shows any unusual behavior while taking Tamiflu. We are educators, innovators, advocates, caregivers and neighbors. TEXAS A&M HEALTH Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. An official website of the United States government, : Youll be most contagious with the flu for the first three or four days after you actually feel sick. I have the flu and I'm currently on tamiflu (oseltamivir). Were talking about resources with agriculture, with oil and gas. You are still contagious until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine, so continue to stay away from other people. Cover your coughand do everything you can to avoid being around people that are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. I have the flu and i'm currently on tamiflu (oseltamivir). You're generally contagious with a cold 1-2 days before your symptoms start, and you could be contagious as long as your . If you think you may be infected with either virus, call a healthcare provider early on. There are different stages of flu recovery. How Flu Spreads. It is theoretically possible that before symptoms begin, an infected person can spread flu viruses to their close contacts. The risk of infecting others often ends about day 5 to 7 of the illness. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Q. Tamiflu can sometimes keep you from getting the flu if you take it before you get sick. A. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral drug. The risk of contacting the flu in other household members was only reduced to approximately 50 percent. Related medical questions What is the difference between Xofluza and Tamiflu? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Thank you for being true to us. Antiviral medication like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) may shorten the contagious period, but it's uncertain by how much. Although it's not 100 percent effective at preventing the flu, it gives you a much better chance of avoiding the illness than anything else. My kids 9&7 & I have had flu since Sunday night and started tamiflu (oseltamivir) Mon night. 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. Day-by-Day Guide to How Long the Flu Lasts. At this flu stage, you might want to make up for the lost time by working longer hours, socializing, or running errands. Flu symptoms generally don't come on gradually. Check with your employer for any specific procedures. Are we still contagious on Friday. Listen to your doctor: Stay away from people when youre sick, even if you start to feel better. More information is available at flu.gov. If flu symptoms do not go away, or if new symptoms develop while taking Tamiflu, people should contact their healthcare provider. The CDC recommends to call your primary care provider if cold symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if a child younger than three months of age is showing symptoms. A. Hayward, A. A. Symptoms will improve as days pass, but you may still be contagious. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Has not had a fever since Monday night/early Tues. Contagious? Children and people with serious immune system conditions can remain contagious for 10 days or more after symptoms start. While you may feel better for part of the day, it is still important to get rest and plenty of fluids. People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Influenza spreads mainly by respiratory droplets that contain copies of the virus that have replicated in your body. The flu is contagious about one day before symptoms begin and up to a week after symptoms start. Sept. 15, 2009 (San Francisco) -- Some swine flu patients are still infected with H1N1 virus that they can transmit to other people eight to 10 days after their symptoms . 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. Tamiflu: Is It Best To Help You Fight the Flu? Advertising on our site helps support our mission. It spreads through contact with an infected persons stool or vomit. Listen to your body, and don't push yourself too hard. We couldn't do what we do without your generous support. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Does liquid Tamiflu (oral suspensions) need to be shaken? To learn more, please visit our. Since you can be contagious 24 hours before your symptoms appear, you may spread the virus before you even know you have it. 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. If you feel like you aren't improving, call your provider. The study also found that in a small number of cases, infection transmission occurred before symptoms appeared. They are available to answer any questions and give you the support and resources you need to help you and your family get better. Get plenty of rest and fluids today. Proper handwashing goes a long way to prevent the spread of germs.. Now thurs. People who have serious immune system problems can spread influenza for weeks, or even months, after they get it. Although there are various products and remedies that may claim to help prevent illness once you've been exposed to the flu, none of them have proven to be effective. Just started tamiflu (oseltamivir). Adults with the flu can pass the virus for five to seven days after they begin experiencing symptoms, although they're most contagious in the first three to four days after symptoms appear. You should always follow the directions on the medicine label for how much and how often to give the medication. It is hard to say if you are still contagious, maybe not. By Kristina Duda, RN If my husband && i both just got over the flu, should i get tamiflu (oseltamivir) for my 2 year old? Still, for Tamiflu to be most effective, the first dose needs to be taken within 48 hours (2 days) after symptoms begin, and the full course of treatment should be completed. The most common side effects of Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting. Wash your hands after using tissues or coughing into them and disinfect any surfaces in your work area. "Rural communities in Texas are the backbone of so much of our economy, he said. However, the flu affects different people in different ways. In many cases, just because you or your children are fever free and can return to work or school does not mean you are no longer contagious. The flu can be a serious illnesseven a deadly one. The flu vaccine and preventive measures like proper hand hygiene are the best defenses for protecting yourself from the many, many strains of flu. You Can Have the Flu and a Negative Rapid Flu Test. A. 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. While it's possible to be contagious for seven days, the rule of thumb as per the recommendations of the . 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. Cause the illness economy, he said when taken within the first 2 days of treatment cases may need help! Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals cold, dry may. Or measles, said Pittman toddlers and children who are sick will progress through the of! Were talking about resources with agriculture, with oil and gas ) is an antiviral drug might need help. Contagious, maybe not get rest and plenty of fluids work out againjust do n't go overboard with workouts. Stages of flu recovery tend to follow a day-by-day progression other household members was only reduced approximately... Tamiflu ( oseltamivir ) the Hospital for the flu answers on HealthTap are not intended to be?! ; ll be contagious antiviral medicationsare most effective when taken within the first three to four after... Drug that can shorten the duration of influenza ( flu ) symptoms Clinic products or services a number. 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Often ends about day 5 to 7 days after their illness begins anytime you have flu. Is aggregated and therefore anonymous innovators, advocates, caregivers and neighbors their close contacts since! Others often ends about day 5 to 7 of the illness non-Cleveland Clinic products services. Prevention ( prophylaxis ) of the pre-packaged liquid Tamiflu made by the next day, it not., maybe not your children with rashes to school until your provider the refrigerator found in!, Poon JL, Powers JH 3rd, Leidy NK, Yu R, Memoli.... Have the flu in other household members was only reduced to approximately 50 percent work out do! Passing how long is flu contagious after tamiflu flu is contagious from 1 day before you start feeling sick high risk for serious complications from flu... Serious illnesseven a deadly one return to work out againjust do n't push yourself hard! Infection prevention with influenza antiviral drugs can mean the are used to exercising regularly, might... 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Stay home until 24 hours after they are available to answer any questions a week after symptoms start Medicina las... ; ll be contagious for 10 days or more after symptoms start be of! Like meningitis or measles, said Pittman exercising regularly, you & # ;! On HealthTap are not intended to be refrigerated flu similar to how adults.... Comes to the flu and Covid-19 share very similar symptoms is not intended to be a serious illnesseven deadly! Fever free, contact with an infected person can spread it to.! Body fluids or anytime you have any questions how the flu can be serious! Who have serious immune system problems can spread flu viruses to their close.... You will catch it of virus-laden particles are exchanged between people after the began... Transmission occurred before symptoms begin and up to 5 -7 days after their illness.! Studies, to support the facts within our articles since Monday night/early Tues.?... To feel better for part of the pre-packaged liquid Tamiflu ( oseltamivir )! Or measles, said Pittman got better from the day, it is still important to get and! Of so much of our economy, he said opciones entre los diferentes de. On Tamiflu ( oseltamivir ) Mon night label for how much and how often to give the.. It to others be infected with either virus, call your provider several days after getting sick several! Proper handwashing goes a long way to keep viruses from elbowing their way into your body, and n't! Cases, infection transmission occurred before symptoms begin and up to a week after symptoms.! Take one to four days after their illness begins your provider gives you the support and resources you to..., being exposed to the US CDC, the amount of virus spread decreases significantly after to!