Influenza. What you need to know.

Flu Season 2025–2026: What to Know (and When to Call Your Doctor)

Flu season is here again, and while most years feel similar, every season brings a few surprises. For 2025–2026, we’re seeing earlier spread and a steady rise in influenza A, which makes this a good time to refresh what flu actually looks like, how it spreads, and what truly helps.

The goal isn’t to panic — it’s to recognize flu early and respond appropriately, especially if you or a family member is at higher risk.

What does the flu feel like?

Unlike a common cold, influenza usually comes on suddenly. Many people describe feeling fine one moment and completely wiped out the next.

Common symptoms include fever or chills, body aches and muscle pain, headache, significant fatigue, and a dry cough, sore throat, or congestion. Children may also have stomach symptoms like nausea or vomiting.

A key clue it’s flu (not just a cold) is abrupt onset combined with prominent body aches and fatigue, especially when flu is circulating in the community.

How long does flu last?

After exposure, symptoms usually begin within 1–4 days. People are most contagious during the first 3–4 days of illness, but flu can spread even before symptoms appear.

Most uncomplicated flu cases last about 5–7 days, though cough and fatigue can linger for one to two weeks or longer. This overlap in contagiousness is why flu often spreads quickly through households.

How does flu spread?

Flu spreads mainly through coughing and sneezing, close indoor contact, and poorly ventilated spaces. Staying home early when sick, covering coughs, and improving ventilation can significantly reduce transmission.

Treatment: what actually helps?

For most people, supportive care is the foundation of treatment. This includes rest, hydration, acetaminophen for fever and aches, and warm fluids or honey for cough. Many over-the-counter “cold and flu” combinations add little benefit and may cause side effects, particularly in people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Prescription antiviral medications can be helpful, especially when started early or in higher-risk patients such as those who are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions. Two commonly used options are oseltamivir (Tamiflu), taken twice daily for five days, and baloxavir (Xofluza), which is given as a single dose.

Large studies show both medications can shorten illness by about a day and may reduce complications in higher-risk patients. In some situations, treatment is recommended even if a rapid flu test is negative when symptoms strongly suggest influenza.

Prevention still matters

Flu vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact during illness all help limit spread. High-risk patients benefit from early evaluation if symptoms develop.

Bottom line

Most flu cases can be managed at home, but timing matters. Early recognition, smart symptom treatment, and knowing when to reach out to your doctor can make a real difference during an active flu season.

If you’re unsure whether symptoms are “just a virus” or something more, it’s always reasonable to ask. That’s what we’re here for.

At Huntington Direct Primary Care - we will be happy to see you for any of the symptoms above.