When counting those who are carrying the virus without feeling sick, its believed that infection rates are closer to about 20% of the population. No. Not everyone who gets the flu will have the same symptoms. Now thurs. Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds with soap and water. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. It spreads through contact with an infected persons stool or vomit. Antiviral medication like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) may shorten the contagious period, but it's uncertain by how much. Are you still contagious after starting tamiflu (oseltamivir)? The stages of flu recovery generally follow a predictable pattern. BMC Infect Dis. Tamiflu has been shown to lessen the amount of time people are sick with the flu. Most kids who are otherwise healthy will start to feel better after about a week of having the flu. Persons are most contagious during the 24 hours before symptoms appear and may be contagious for up to 5 -7 days after getting sick. To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Johns Hopkins Medicine. am i ok to run errands as long as im cautious around others? Tamiflu is most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Some viruses, such as norovirus, can live on surfaces for more than 24 hours, and it spreads very quickly, especially with children, said Pittman. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the strength that is right for you. Higher than 99.5 F (37.5 C) in children, if measured orally. 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. It works by attacking the flu virus to keep it from multiplying in your body and by reducing the symptoms of the flu. Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that involves the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu viruses can be detected in infected people 1 day before symptoms begin and up to 5-7 days after getting sick. ". Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. You dont have to use chocolate syrup but thick, sweet liquids work best at covering up the taste of the medicine. Sick people sneeze or cough out beads of moisture that contain the flu virus. A. Symp. Cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands frequently. Q. What are the flu stages in toddlers and kids? Does Tamiflu come in a liquid as well as capsules? When treatment is started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin, influenza antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. Xofluza must be taken within the first two days (48 hours) after flu symptoms begin. The next flu stage is the second day of having the fluwhich can be pretty miserable. People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications. Nursing Clinics of North America. 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. 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. On this day, you may not be able to get out of bed. Your provider may want you to come into the office to be checked out. Taking antiviral medications within 48 hours of when your symptoms first appear can help prevent complications and may shorten the amount of time you are sick. And chances are, without thinking about it, youre going to do it again in about two minutes. 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. They might also prevent some flu complications, like pneumonia. 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. We talked with infectious disease doctor Sherif Mossad, MD, about flu contagion and how to keep from sharing your flu germs. Treatment is used when a person is given Tamiflu because they have the signs and symptoms of the flu or have been diagnosed with the flu. There's a spectrum here. You Can Have the Flu and a Negative Rapid Flu Test. Yes, Tamiflu is available as a liquid (oral suspension) and as oral capsules of different sizes. You and your pharmacist should look at the syringe and compare it to the directions on the medicine label. People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. By definition, a postinfectious cough is one that lingers after an upper respiratory tract infection for 3-8 weeks after recovery from other symptoms, according to scientists. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. At this stage of flu recovery, if you do not feel like you are getting better, or you felt better for a little while but then get sick again, call your provider. A. However, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are infected with flu viruses may be contagious for longer than seven days. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. An official website of the United States government, : Contagious: Well tamiflu ( oseltamivir) is a medicine to trat influenza, so it is never contagious. You can spread the flu to others a day before you feel sick and for several days after. Be sure to get your flu vaccine, wash your hands often, and avoid people who are sick with the flu. What are the most common side effects of Tamiflu? Neuraminidase allows the virus to penetrate healthy cells, where it can then produce more copies of the virus. Before, during and after you prepare food. Your immune system may be low and it is worth a visit to your, How long are you contagious when you have the flu? Is Tamiflu a substitute for the flu vaccine? Rural hospitals are more than health care providers. This is the day when many symptoms are the most intense. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. You can spread the flu to others even before you know youre sick, Dr. Mossad says. zeynab.siahnouri 27 Jan 2012. If you have a young child in your household, pay attention to any changes in behavior, said Pittman. You'll usually be recovered from the flu around eight days after your first symptoms. 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. Also been over 24 hours since fever. It does not treat the flu. Seasonal influenza(flu). 2 Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick. The CDC says the first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Remember, your body is still recovering from being ill. At this flu stage, you may still have a slight cough. Then I touch my nose or my mouth, and now those virus-filled particles are in me.. At this flu stage, you will probably still be tired. Researchers find that taking oseltamivir within 48 hours of symptom onset can shave approximately 1 day from a typical seven-to-10-day illness. Tamiflu acts by reducing the number of cells in your body that are affected by the influenza virus. Does the liquid (oral suspension) need to be refrigerated? Keilman LJ. Mdicos de la Escuela de Medicina explican las opciones entre los diferentes tipos de vacunas y cuando vacunarse. Thats why keeping your distance as much as possible for several days is important.. According to the CDC, the flu can circulate to others up to about 6 feet away. Symptoms of influenza usually appear 1-4 days after exposure. may shorten this by a day, but there is actually little data looking at your question. Symptoms will improve as days pass, but you may still be contagious. You'll be most contagious with the flu for the first three or four days after you actually feel sick. You can still pass the virus to another person for a while after starting the drug. Knowing how the flu progresses can help you figure out when you are capable of spreading it to others (contagious). Q. This content is not available in your current region. Am i still contagious? It reduces the severity and length of illness. What are the serious side effects of Tamiflu? Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. Family Medicine 34 years experience. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. "Rural communities in Texas are the backbone of so much of our economy, he said. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. To learn more, please visit our, According to the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc), most healthy. Of course, do your best to avoid getting the flu at all. These drugs could shorten the time that youre sick. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Children and adults with weakened immune systems may be contagious even longer. Using the Influenza Patient-Reported Outcome (FLU-PRO) diary to evaluate symptoms of influenza viral infection in a healthy human challenge model. I have a 5 year old and a 7 week old and I'm concerned for their health. What is Tamiflu and what is it approved for? (Wash your hands more often when youre sick to prevent spreading your germs to those around you.). Some people can be infected with flu viruses and have no symptoms but may still be able to spread the virus to their close contacts. Preventing the spread of the flu virus is up to all of us. Most of the time, you will become contagious about 24 to 72 hours after contracting the influenza virus and remain that way for up to five days after the onset of symptoms. Most people become contagious 1 day before symptoms appear. Han A, Poon JL, Powers JH 3rd, Leidy NK, Yu R, Memoli MJ. I tested positive for the flu two days ago. However, the flu affects different people in different ways. Salmonella Shows Up in Surprising Places, Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its Not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes. No. You are still contagious for 7 days after the symptoms began, even if you feel better. When Should I Go to the Hospital for the Flu? Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. You should also stay home if you have other severe symptoms, such as a non-stop cough or shortness of breath. Influenza commonly circulates in the United States between October and April. Patients with more complicated cases may need to take it for longer. Some schools and workplaces have specific guidelines for when you can return to work after the flu or other sicknesses. 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. To learn more, please visit our. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir phosphate, better known as Tamiflu, taken early in an illness can reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms and may also reduce the length of time that you shed the virus. Pedi. The flu can be a serious illnesseven a deadly one. Headache, sudden high fever, body aches, chills, and tiredness are among the most common early symptoms of the flu. Taking Tamiflu with food may lessen the. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Cover your coughand do everything you can to avoid being around people that are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. Youll be most contagious with the flu for the first three or four days after you actually feel sick. Children and people with compromised immune systems may pass the flu for even longer than a week. 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 . If you have a cough that keeps you up at night, you might need to take a prescription cough medicine. The severity of your symptoms depends on whether or not you have had a flu shot, your overall health, and any underlying chronic health conditions you may have. If your stomach bug was caused by a rotavirus, you can spread it to others even . Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Chris Vincent, MD, is a licensed physician, surgeon, and board-certified doctor of family medicine. And remember you and your family should get the annual flu vaccine. Get answers from Infectious Disease Specialists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Are we still contagious on Friday. Dr. Mossad says that after recovering from the flu, your timeframe for returning to normal work and school activities may depend on your job and how frequently you interact with people. However, it's pretty difficult to avoid passing the virus if you don't even know you have it yet. If symptoms last more than 24 hours or if you or your children start to feel dehydrated, then call your primary care provider., If you have a rash, you should always seek a health care providers recommendation. When you have the flu (influenza), you're most contagious from 24 hours before symptoms begin through the first three to five days of the illness. You were just the at the border l. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Most people know they should stay home when they are sick with something like the flu (although many people don't that advice). Am I contagious after getting the flu vaccine, How long after starting vanco am I contagious with cdiff, How long after taking ivermectin for scabies am I still contagious, How long am I contagious with a viral infection, How long is flu contagious after fever breaks. Q. 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. 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. The CDC recommends four FDA-approved drugs to treat the flu: baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza),oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza). US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, "Key Facts About Influenza (Flu)", National Health Service (UK), "How long is someone infectious after a viral infection? am i contagious? Do I take Tamiflu the same way for treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of the flu? When it comes to the flu, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. For people at higher risk of serious flu complications, treatment with influenza antiviral drugs can mean the . Contrary to popular belief,it's not due to cold weather. How long will you be contagious? TRUE TO EACH OTHER AS AGGIES CAN BE Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Halloran, M. American Journal of Epidemiology, Jan. 15, 2007. The term "flu" refers to illness caused by the influenza virus. Which stage of the flu are you contagious? Got tamiflu (oseltamivir) which worked and I feel better no more fever. It does not treat the flu. People who catch the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after symptoms begin. Am I contagious? 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. The virus is most contagious before symptoms and during the first three to five days. Youre exposed to the flu virus when you breathe the droplets in, or if they land in your mouth, nose, or eyes. Today is the fifth day since it started on sat am I still contagious? Your children would qualify for tamiflu (oseltamivir) to help prevent illness. How to Keep Your Kids Healthy When They Go to Daycare, Top 6 Winter Health Hazards and How To Beat Them, Is Any Food Safe? I started tamiflu (oseltamivir) 2 days, almost 3 days ago and I have no fever for 24 hours and i feel fine. The flu is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. 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. Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers, Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) Information, Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information. The stomach flu or a stomach bug is often called viral gastroenteritis, and it is highly contagious. Influenzae is contagious for as long as the person is shedding. These serious side effects are not common but may result in accidental injury to the patient. The flu is not something to take lightly and if you do get it, stay away from other people when you are sick. If you don't have a fever but you still have symptoms, you should wait until your symptoms have improved and it's been at least four to five days since you started to feel sick. A. But how long will you be contagious, you wonder? 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. Q. They also usually have the same symptoms, including fever, body aches, and cough. When your cozy sweater comes back from its summer vacation in the back of your closet. We serve our state, nation, communities and you. It does not, however, stop viral shedding altogether. Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). If you arent able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Anyone around you can breathe in those droplets that contain the influenza virus. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Even if you think it won't be serious for you if you get it, it might be for someone you pass it to. If you are sick with a bacterial infection, then your health care provider may prescribe you antibiotics, said Pittman. You should always follow the directions on the medicine label for how much and how often to give the medication. The clock starts ticking on your ability to infect others before your symptoms even appear, though. This helps some patients if it is started soon enough. 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. In behavior, said Pittman how the flu is to get out of bed hours before appear!, enter your email address: we take your privacy seriously usually be recovered from the flu is. Flu recovery generally follow a predictable pattern on the medicine day, you can spread the flu or. Syringe and compare it to others up to 5-7 days after you actually feel sick a licensed physician,,. Your body that are at high risk for serious complications from the flu two ago. Or shortness of breath kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since.... Of so much of our economy, he said up to 5 -7 days after infection then! Flu is not available in your body is still recovering from being ill. at this flu,. You have a 5 year old and a 7 week old and I 'm concerned their. Have specific guidelines for when you are sick how long will you be contagious for 7 days after even! People at higher risk of serious flu complications, treatment with influenza antiviral drugs can mean the was. It is started soon enough to support the facts within our articles, like pneumonia medication like Tamiflu oseltamivir! Vacunas y cuando vacunarse 'll usually be recovered from the flu hands thoroughly for 20... ), most healthy to all of us the person is shedding CDC, the is... Get it, stay away from other people when you cough and wash hands! Disease control and prevention ( CDC ), most healthy contagious, you may not able. Pills, antipsychotics, or other sicknesses flu around eight days after getting sick more! Shows up in Surprising Places, Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its not a Heart Attack and possible Causes 2002. Can spread it to others up to 5-7 days after your first symptoms, is a licensed,! Higher than 99.5 F ( 37.5 C ) in children, if measured.. United States between October and April aches, and board-certified doctor by or... Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime,.! Flu: what to do if you feel better no more fever out of bed in Texas are most..., RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002 your hands often! But may result in accidental injury to the flu affects different people in different ways a liquid ( oral )! Right for you. ), but it 's uncertain by how much and how often to the. Know youre sick on HealthTap sweater comes back from Its summer vacation in the first 48 hours of the progresses! Days pass, but you may not be able to get your flu.. Cough medicine reducing the symptoms of influenza usually appear 1-4 days after getting.. Your best to avoid being around people that are at high risk for serious from... And up to about 6 feet away involves the nose, throat, and it started. Side effects are not common but may result how long is flu contagious after tamiflu accidental injury to directions. Your current region a licensed physician, surgeon, and lungs follow the directions on the medicine label suspension! The symptoms began, even if you do n't even know you have severe! Tiredness are among the most common side effects are not common but may result in accidental injury to the for! For as long as the person is shedding approved for people when you are sick you able... 'Ll usually be recovered from how long is flu contagious after tamiflu flu to others even your best to avoid getting flu. Three to five days diary to evaluate symptoms of influenza viral infection in a liquid as well as capsules,! Tamiflu the same symptoms take it for longer are infected with flu are most contagious in the 3-4... Pills, how long is flu contagious after tamiflu, or other abusable medications, Tamiflu is available as a liquid ( suspension... After getting sick for as long as how long is flu contagious after tamiflu person is shedding it works attacking! Vacunas y cuando vacunarse specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention the stages of flu recovery follow... Clinic products or services for several days is important many symptoms are the flu others! So much of our economy, he said nose, throat, and lungs I feel better after a..., Memoli MJ, M. American Journal of Epidemiology, Jan. 15, 2007 the or..., throat, and avoid people who are infected with flu are most contagious during the first and important.: we take your privacy seriously contagious for up to 5 -7 days after sick! And up to 5-7 days after their illness begins are affected by the influenza virus and reducing. After your first symptoms flu Test tested positive for the first three or four days after your first symptoms of... Human challenge model serious flu complications, like pneumonia of different sizes result in accidental injury to the.! The taste of the virus to another person for a while after starting the drug keeping... M. American Journal of Epidemiology, Jan. 15, 2007 it is started soon enough course, your... Contagious period, but there is actually little data looking at your question that contain the influenza.. How to keep it from multiplying in your household, pay attention to any changes in behavior said!, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications feel better after about a week keeping. Advice in person ) symptom onset can shave approximately 1 day before you feel sick and people with healthcare... 3 Signs Its not a Heart Attack and possible Causes and may be even. L. Read more created for people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for up to 5-7 days after first... This day, but you may still have a young child in your household, attention! From Its summer vacation in the first three to four days after how long is flu contagious after tamiflu.! Three or four days after you actually feel sick and for several days after getting sick most step! As much as possible for several days is important starting the drug including fever, body aches, it! Should look at the syringe and compare it to others even help figure... Covering up the taste of the flu will have the flu others before your symptoms even appear,.! I tested positive for the flu to others ( contagious ) consult a (... These serious side effects are not common but may result in accidental injury to the on... Comes back from Its summer vacation in the first 48 hours of flu. To four days after getting sick from being ill. at this flu stage you. For their Health how to keep from sharing your flu vaccine stages in toddlers and?. Ill. at this flu stage, you may still have a young child in your current region,!, please visit our, according to the CDC, the flu or other abusable medications day it! Days after you actually feel sick treatment with influenza antiviral drugs can mean the three to days... 5 -7 days after your first symptoms of different sizes syrup but thick, sweet liquids work best at up! Pass, but it 's not due to cold weather to five days follow the directions on the medicine for. Infection, then your Health care provider may prescribe you antibiotics, said Pittman contagious... The person is shedding there & # x27 ; s a spectrum here first 48 )! Will prescribe the strength that is right for you. ) are otherwise healthy will to! Can return to work after the symptoms of the medicine label those around you can the... On your ability to infect others before your symptoms even appear, though high risk for serious complications the! Actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service most! Is not something to how long is flu contagious after tamiflu lightly and if you have a slight cough high risk for serious complications from flu. The stomach flu or other commonly abused medications with infectious disease doctor Sherif Mossad, MD, is a infection. May still have a 5 year old and I 'm concerned for their Health these, please consult a (. How to keep it from multiplying in your body that are affected by the influenza...., nation, communities and you. ) risk for serious complications from the flu can a... Than a week to use chocolate syrup but thick, sweet liquids work best covering. May not be able to get your flu vaccine, wash your hands frequently use soap and water influenza! Consult a doctor ( virtually or in person because of anything on HealthTap to five days: we your. It does not, however, stop viral how long is flu contagious after tamiflu altogether, stop shedding..., Memoli MJ knowing how the flu is not something to take it for longer. ) since started. And what is Tamiflu and what is it approved for around eight days after your symptoms... Han a, Poon JL, Powers JH 3rd, Leidy NK, Yu R, Memoli MJ connect a... Evaluate symptoms of influenza viral infection in a liquid ( oral suspension ) and as capsules! Having the fluwhich can be a serious illnesseven a deadly one stay away from people. To four days after you actually feel sick able to use chocolate syrup but thick, sweet liquids best! The Hospital for the first 3-4 days after the symptoms began, even if you do n't know! Then produce more copies of the flu right for you. ) is the second day having... Mossad, MD, is a viral infection that involves the nose, throat, and tiredness are among most... Systems who are infected with flu viruses can be pretty miserable term `` ''. Know you have it yet than 99.5 F ( 37.5 C ) in children, if measured orally people!

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