Other factors, such as the amount of virus deposited on a surface and the temperature and humidity of the environment, also determine how long cold and flu viruses stay active outside the body. Fever and other flu symptoms often go away after 5 days or so, but kids may still have a cough or feel weak. Types of influenza. Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs.   However, the influenza B/Victoria and A(H3N2) viruses that have been tested show some reduced similarity to the vaccine viruses. Flu symptoms typically last about one week, but may linger for some people. As harsh as the flu can be, the good news is that most people feel much better within one to two weeks. These symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week. The flu is a common illness that affects thousands of people every year. Again, at this point in the flu season, the antigenic data are limited and can only give early insights into how well vaccines might work. Children's symptoms are usually all gone in a week or two. Fever and other flu symptoms often go away after 5 days or so, but kids may still have a cough or feel weak. The most common symptoms include: high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, headache, coughing, and feeling tired. An influenza pandemic is an epidemic of an influenza virus that spreads on a worldwide scale and infects a large proportion of the world population.In contrast to the regular seasonal epidemics of influenza, these pandemics occur irregularly – there have been five influenza pandemics during the last 140 years. But getting the flu vaccine every year can help. Most healthy adults become contagious the day before symptoms develop (which makes it trickier to prevent from spreading). On the other hand, Tamiflu appears better suited to treat influenza A/H3N2 (a more serious virus related to H1N1), while Relenza is more beneficial in treating influenza B (a milder form of influenza). Ask Question Asked 3 years ago. Influenza — commonly known as the flu — is a respiratory infection caused by flu viruses. Can the Flu Be Prevented? Here’s how to know when you can be out and about again. ... which is similar to projected supply for last season. Sometimes (though, less often) a person can even catch the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, and then afterward touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose. Doctors tell you to stay home when you have the flu so you don’t get other people sick. Children's symptoms are usually all gone in a week or two. Research has shown that Tamiflu and Relenza are equally effective in reducing the severity of the swine flu (influenza A/H1N1). For most people, influenza resolves on its own. For most healthy people, the influenza type A is an uncomfortable but short-term illness that resolves itself as the immune system fights it off. How Long Does the Flu Last? RELATED: How Long Does It Take for the Flu Shot to Be Effective? How long does the flu last? All the mucus build up is not pleasant, sorry you went through it, too. In this Article ... How long does it take for the flu shot to become effective? Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Influenza, or the flu, can affect everybody, but how long does the flu last in seniors? For a healthy adult, the typical flu will last between one to two weeks. In this article, learn about how long the flu lasts, what symptoms to expect, and when to seek medical treatment. Elderly people have weaker immune systems, so they have a much harder time fighting off illnesses and infections, and subsequently it typically takes them longer than average to fight off the flu. How Long Does the Flu Last? Active 3 years ago. Symptoms usually appear from one to four days after exposure to the virus, and they last five to seven days. Flu Season: What to Know in 2020. As harsh as the flu can be, the good news is that most people feel much better within one to two weeks. Influenza, commonly known as "the flu", is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus. How long does immunity to influenza last when contracting the disease vs vaccination. Influenza B, one type of influenza virus, is dominating the 2019-2020 flu season early on. However, the influenza B/Victoria and A(H3N2) viruses that have been tested show some reduced similarity to the vaccine viruses. For people who have had the flu shot, the symptoms may last a shorter amount of time. Here's what you need to know, according to experts. Symptoms can be mild to severe. ... providers should continue to offer and encourage vaccination as long as flu viruses are circulating and unexpired vaccine is available. How bad your symptoms are, and how long you have them for, also depends on what other medical conditions you currently have or if you are pregnant, and how compromised your immune system is at the time of catching the flu. Viewed 2k times 3 $\begingroup$ The long term efficacy of flu vaccines are well documented, however I cannot seem to find a good source showing how long immunity lasts when contracting the disease.