Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and tend to come on suddenly. Flu-related illness can range from mild to severe, and in some cases may require hospitalization. Here are flu symptoms to look out for:
Most common
Less common
To learn more about flu symptoms, visit our health encyclopedia.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) symptoms are usually mild and appear within 4 to 6 days after infection. In some cases, RSV can develop into a more severe illness like pneumonia. Very young children and older adults are more likely to develop life-threatening symptoms.
More common
Less common — call your doctor2
Rare — call 9113
Symptoms of a COVID-19 infection can range from mild (like the common cold) to severe (like the flu). This can make it difficult to tell what virus is making you ill.
However, there are some common and uncommon COVID-19 symptoms to keep an eye out for:
Most common
Less common
Looking for more information on COVID-19? Visit kp.org/coronavirus.
Colds are less serious than the flu and typically come on gradually. They also generally don’t result in serious health problems or complications. Here are common and uncommon cold symptoms:
Most common
Less common
Rare
Prescription medications called antiviral drugs can be used to treat the flu. But most people with the flu don’t need these. You should recover from the flu on your own within 7 to 10 days.
If you’re very sick or at high risk for flu complications, your doctor may recommend antiviral drugs. Flu antiviral drugs work best when started 1 to 2 days after your flu symptoms begin.
Your doctor won’t prescribe an antibiotic for the flu. Antibiotics don’t work for viruses. But sometimes people get bacterial infections, like ear infections, along with the flu. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in these cases.
You can take other steps to feel better while recovering at home. Learn more about home treatments and over-the-counter medicines for adults and children with the flu.
Most people recover from the flu in 7 to 10 days without needing medical care. Stay home, avoid contact with others, and get plenty of rest and fluids. Learn more about home treatments and over-the-counter medicines for adults and children with the flu.
If a child or adult has severe flu or is at high risk for flu complications, a doctor may recommend antiviral drugs. Flu antiviral drugs work best when started 1 to 2 days after flu symptoms begin.
Looking for more information on COVID-19, RSV, and the flu?
Simple things can help you feel better when you have the flu. Learn what you can do to treat your symptoms from the comfort of home.
Most people who get the flu don’t need to see a doctor. But if certain symptoms get worse, you may need medical care. Learn what to look out for.
When your child is sick, you’ll do anything to help them feel better. Find helpful home remedies and kid-friendly medications.
Footnotes
1If you believe you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. For the complete definition of an emergency medical condition, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents.
2If your child has these symptoms, schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible.
3See note 1.
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