This flu season has been harsh. For those who haven’t yet caught the flu, there’s a concern about how long it takes to get sick after exposure—and, how to avoid the flu or manage it. Flu season is not yet over, and it’s important to continue taking precautions.
How long does it actually take to develop flu symptoms once a person is exposed? Experts say that it takes anywhere from one to four days to show flu symptoms after being exposed, with two to three days being the most common timeframe for experiencing symptoms. If you’ve recently been in close contact with someone who has the flu, you should monitor for flu symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and body aches.
For those concerned about symptoms after exposure, there are several steps that can help protect you and others around you.
First, flu spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, but it can also live on surfaces. Hand-washing is a critical defense against the virus. If you’ve been exposed, consider wearing a mask to help prevent the virus from spreading to others, even if you are not feeling sick yet.
Individuals in high-risk groups, such as young children, the elderly, or those with chronic conditions, should consult with their doctor about preventative antiviral medications. Medications can help reduce the chances of developing flu symptoms if taken shortly after exposure. For others, it’s essential to monitor for symptoms. If flu symptoms start to appear, rest, hydrate and monitor for symptoms like fever are key.
One way to monitor a fever is to do regular temperature checks, twice daily to track fever patterns. Using an easy-to-use, accurate thermometer like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer to ensure that temperature measurements are reliable and precise.
There is still time to get a flu shot. Even though flu season is here, it can still offer protection and reduce the risk of severe illness.
Individuals who have been exposed to the flu could develop symptoms within a few days. The best defense is staying vigilant, wearing a mask if needed, practicing good hygiene, and considering treatments if in a high-risk group. It’s important to remember that getting the flu shot can still make a difference in avoiding a difficult flu season. Staying safe and healthy and taking steps to avoid the flu will help prevent it.
Source,
- MSN, https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/here-s-exactly-how-long-it-takes-to-get-sick-after-being-exposed-to-the-flu/ar-AA1AlYLS?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
EXERGEN P/N 850394, Rev 1