Does Flu Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

There is generally a predictable pattern to flu recovery. There are, however, different ways in which the flu affects different people. Infections of the nose, throat, and lungs are caused by influenza (the flu). Flu symptoms vary from person to person. People feel sick for different lengths of time, and how sick they feel varies from person to person.

There is generally a day-by-day progression of flu stages. When you know how the flu progresses, you can determine if you are contagious. It will also help you prepare to treat flu symptoms that haven’t appeared yet by understanding the stages of the illness as it progresses.

It is possible to wake up feeling fine on day 1, but you will experience the full effects of the flu by the end of the day. It is likely that these symptoms will arrive suddenly and without much warning. Keep hydrated at this stage with soups and water.

You will feel the worst around day 2 or 3, but once you reach day 3, the worst is over. Your immune system is working hard to contain the infection during this stage, so you are less contagious since you are still in the contagious phase of the flu.

After day 4, you might notice that your flu symptoms are subsiding, your fever may be lowering, your muscles will be gaining strength, and you might be able to get out of bed. During this time, you should have a lower fever and fewer body aches. You may be coughing more, but this may be a sign that you’re getting better. Rest and fluid intake are still important, as is self-isolation. In the absence of fever-reducing medicine, you’re contagious for 24 hours. You should be fever-free by day 6 or 7. You can stop self-isolating after 24 hours.

There is a possibility that a secondary infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, has begun if symptoms persist or seem to be getting worse.

In the first few days, worsening flu symptoms should be expected and are not usually cause for concern. However, there are several reasons patients may wish to seek out medical attention. As the flu progresses, you will experience some significant symptoms. It’s important to get a professional diagnosis, since these symptoms can be mistaken for those of other conditions. It is possible for your immediate care doctor to provide you with a rapid flu test or another test if you need one, or to prescribe an antiviral medication as needed.

Due to the predictable pattern of the flu, it is easy to anticipate when you should be getting better. The fourth day of the flu can be a turning point. During the day, you may feel a little better. You should have broken your fever, you shouldn’t have as many body aches, and any congestion you’ve been experiencing should start to loosen. However, this is likely to exacerbate your cough and make it worse than it was yesterday. You should start feeling better by day five. You probably no longer have a fever at this stage of the flu. There should be less congestion, but you may still have a cough. Drink plenty of fluids, stay home, and rest.

Call your healthcare provider if you don’t feel better by day five and your symptoms are getting worse. An antibiotic may be needed if you have a secondary infection, such as bronchitis or an ear or sinus infection. A prescription cough medicine might be necessary if your cough keeps you awake at night. Patients can receive flu diagnosis and treatment at Immediate Care of Oklahoma, so reach out to us today for help. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Norman (24th) OK, and Bethany OK.