What to Do at the First Sign of the Flu

Act swiftly at the first flu symptoms to ease recovery, protect your community, and lower risk of complications.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Act swiftly at the first flu symptoms to ease recovery, protect your community, and lower risk of complications.

What to Do (and Not to Do) at the First Sign of the Flu

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects millions every year, with sudden onset symptoms that can quickly disrupt daily life. Acting promptly when you notice the initial signs of the flu is crucial—not just for your own recovery, but also to protect those around you from infection. This article guides you through the earliest steps to take, with practical advice on symptom recognition, home care, medical treatment, and preventive measures.

Recognizing the Signs of the Flu

The flu often begins abruptly with symptoms much more intense than a typical cold. Early recognition can make a meaningful difference in both your recovery and in stopping the virus from spreading.

Fatigue
Sudden fever (usually above 100°F or 38°C)
Scratchy or sore throat
Cough
Chills
Muscle or body aches
Runny nose

Although fever is very common, it may not appear in every flu case. People may also experience headache or weakness. Symptoms tend to develop quickly and can escalate within hours.

Special Consideration for Vulnerable Groups

Young children
Older adults
Pregnant individuals
People with chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease)

For these groups, flu complications are more likely. Early action, including contacting a healthcare provider, is especially important for these individuals.

Actions to Take Immediately at the First Signs

Once you detect flu symptoms, taking the following steps can help you recover faster and protect others:

Wash your hands frequently
Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. If unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue
This limits the spread of respiratory droplets. Discard tissues after use and clean hands immediately.
Eat nutritious foods
If appetite is low, opt for small meals and snacks—especially fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods. A strong immune system aids recovery.
Stay hydrated
Drink water, herbal teas, and low-sugar electrolyte drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate you.
Gather essential supplies
Stock up on tissues, fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen), decongestants, cough suppressants, and easy-to-prepare foods. If you feel too sick to shop, ask someone for help or use delivery services.
Alert your workplace or school
Taking sick leave prevents spreading the virus to colleagues and classmates. Most employers appreciate notification as early as possible.
Rest at home
Rest is vital; limit physical activity and prioritize sleep to help your body fight the virus.
Be diligent with hygiene
Clean surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and counters regularly with disinfectant wipes.

What to Avoid When You Have the Flu

Do not use antibiotics for flu
Antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses. Using them for viral illnesses offers no benefit and may cause harm through side effects or promoting resistance.
Avoid close contact with others
Stay home until you’re no longer contagious—usually at least 24 hours after your fever recedes without medication and symptoms improve.
Refrain from strenuous exercise
Your body requires energy to fight off infection; overexertion can delay recovery.
Don’t share personal items
This includes towels, cups, utensils, and bedding.

Medical Treatment Options

In most cases, the flu can be managed at home with rest and supportive care. However, medication is sometimes warranted—especially for those at increased risk of complications.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can ease fever, aches, and headaches.
Note: Avoid aspirin in children under 16 due to risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Decongestants and cough suppressants provide temporary relief from stuffy nose and persistent coughing.

Antiviral Drugs

For certain cases, prescription antiviral drugs may shorten flu duration and decrease complication risk. These are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Antiviral Drug	Form	Who Should Take It?	How Does It Work?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)	Pill, liquid	High-risk groups, severe illness, or as directed	Inhibits virus replication, helps reduce symptoms and complications
Zanamivir (Relenza)	Inhaled powder	As prescribed (not for some with respiratory conditions)	Blocks viral spread within respiratory tract

Antivirals require a doctor’s prescription. They are not to be confused with antibiotics. If you belong to a vulnerable group, have severe symptoms, or are concerned about your recovery, contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss the benefits of antivirals.

How to Prevent Spreading the Flu

Stay home until symptoms improve and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications.
Disinfect commonly touched surfaces in your home daily, especially if others live with you.
Wear a mask if you need to be around people (especially those at higher risk).
Avoid sharing food, drinks, and household items.
Practice proper cough etiquette: cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissues, not hands.
Dispose of tissues immediately after use and wash hands again.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most flu cases are mild, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness or confusion
Severe vomiting or inability to keep liquids down
Symptoms that improve but then return with worsening fever or cough

Additionally, high-risk individuals (children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic health issues) should consult a doctor early in the course of illness.

Supporting Your Recovery at Home

Rest as much as possible. Your immune system works best when you are well-rested.
Create a comfortable environment: keep bedding clean, adjust room temperature, and use a humidifier if air feels dry.
Monitor symptoms: Track your temperature, hydration, and whether symptoms are worsening. Inform your doctor if new complications arise.
Gradually reintroduce physical activity only when you feel substantially better.

Recommended Home Remedies

Warm liquids (such as herbal tea, broth, soup) help soothe a sore throat and keep you hydrated.
Saline nasal sprays and steam inhalation can provide relief for congestion.
Cool cloths or over-the-counter fever remedies ease discomfort during fevers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How soon after flu symptoms start am I contagious?

A: People are often contagious a day before symptoms appear and for about 5–7 days after their onset. Children and those with weakened immune systems may remain contagious longer.

Q: Should I take antibiotics for the flu?

A: No. Antibiotics do not target viruses. They are only effective for bacterial infections and should not be used for viral illnesses like flu unless a secondary bacterial infection is confirmed by a healthcare provider.

Q: How do antiviral drugs differ from over-the-counter medication?

A: Antivirals work to limit virus replication and may shorten illness duration when taken early. OTC medications relieve specific symptoms, such as fever, congestion, or cough, but do not stop the virus itself.

Q: When can I safely return to work or school?

A: Wait until your symptoms are improving, and you have been fever-free (without taking fever reducers) for at least 24 hours. This helps prevent transmission.

Q: What should I do if someone in my household is sick with the flu?

A: Isolate the sick individual as much as possible, disinfect surfaces frequently, encourage proper hand hygiene, and monitor for symptoms in other household members. High-risk contacts should consult their healthcare provider about preventive medications or further precautions.

Summary Table: What to Do and What Not to Do When You Get the Flu

Do	Don’t
Stay home and rest	Go to work or school while sick
Drink fluids often	Consume alcohol or large amounts of caffeine
Eat nourishing foods (fruits, vegetables, protein)	Skip meals entirely
Practice frequent handwashing	Neglect hand hygiene
Use tissues and cover coughs/sneezes properly	Cough or sneeze into hands (especially without washing after)
Take antiviral medication only if prescribed	Take antibiotics for viral flu without medical advice
Monitor symptoms and consult a doctor if at risk or if symptoms worsen	Ignore severe symptoms (like difficulty breathing or chest pain)

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Most flu illnesses resolve within 7 to 10 days. Some symptoms, such as cough and fatigue, may persist a bit longer. Complications can extend recovery time, especially in vulnerable individuals. Early action and proper care are key to minimizing illness duration and severity.

Conclusion: Empower Yourself Against the Flu

The flu strikes quickly, but so can you. Recognize the early warning signs and initiate care the moment symptoms appear. By resting, hydrating, maintaining exceptional hygiene, and seeking medical advice when needed, you can recover efficiently while protecting others in your community from the spread of influenza. Remember, prevention and swift response are your best defense.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb