When the flu strikes, it can feel like it takes over your entire week… or longer. One of the most common questions patients ask is: How long will I feel this way? While recovery varies from person to person, the flu typically follows a recognizable pattern. Understanding what to expect each day can help you prepare, manage symptoms, and know when it’s time to seek medical care.
For same-day cold & flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9. Our board-certified medical team is available 7 days a week. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Day 1: Sudden Onset
The flu doesn’t creep in gradually like a cold– it often begins abruptly. Many people can recall the exact moment they started feeling unwell. Early symptoms may include:
- Sudden fever and chills
- Severe fatigue
- Headache
- Dry cough or sore throat
- Muscle and body aches
Because symptoms come on quickly, you may feel too sick to continue your usual activities by the end of the day.
Day 2-3: Peak of Illness
By the second or third day, flu symptoms often reach their worst point. This is when people feel the most miserable, with:
- High fever (sometimes up to 104°F)
- Intense body aches and joint pain
- Severe fatigue
- Worsening cough and congestion
- Headaches or eye pain
During this stage, many people spend most of their time resting in bed. Appetite is usually poor, and even simple tasks may feel exhausting.
Day 4-5: Symptoms May Still Be Intense
For some, flu symptoms remain severe through the fourth or fifth day. Fever may persist, and cough or congestion can worsen. Children, in particular, may also develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. This stage can be frustrating, as it may feel like you’re not improving– but the body is actively fighting off the infection.
Day 5-7: Gradual Improvement
Around the end of the first week, many people start to notice relief. Fever often breaks, appetite begins to return, and energy slowly increases. However, lingering symptoms like cough, fatigue, and congestion may still be present. If your fever returns after going away, or if new symptoms develop, it may indicate a secondary infection such as pneumonia or sinusitis.
Even after the worst symptoms are gone, it’s common to feel drained for another week. Fatigue and coughing can linger for up to 10-14 days after the initial illness. Returning to work, school, or strenuous exercise too quickly may delay full recovery.
When Flu Symptoms Last Longer Than Expected
While most healthy people recover in about one to two weeks, complications can prolong illness. You should visit an urgent care center if you experience:
- Fever lasting longer than 4-5 days or returning after a break
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing
- Severe dehydration or dizziness
- Persistent vomiting
- High fever in young children or vulnerable adults
Get Fast, Reliable Flu Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9 in Elizabeth, NJ
The flu may run its course in about a week, but sometimes it lingers or leads to complications. If your symptoms are severe, lasting longer than expected, or you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with the flu or another illness, AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9 is here to help. We offer rapid flu testing, personalized treatment options, and guidance to get you back on your feet.
Walk in today for same-day flu treatment, no appointment needed! Our center is conveniently located at 111-117 Spring St in Elizabeth, NJ. Most health insurance plans are accepted and lost-cost options are available. For more information about cold and flu treatment, or other services we provide, contact us directly at (908) 570-5801.
