How long you’re contagious with the flu — and when it’s safe to go out
Picking noted that a cough can linger for weeks after other symptoms have abated. “While a lingering cough is not necessarily a sign that you’re still contagious, it’s considerate to mask up and practice good cough etiquette when around others,” she advised.
Some antiviral medications, when initiated early on, can shorten how long someone is contagious with the flu.
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“These medications work best when started within two days of seeing symptoms,” Picking noted. Anyone who is interested in antivirals should speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
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Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
Subclade K has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases, causing more intense symptoms and higher risk of spread.
The flu is most contagious during the first three to four days after symptoms appear, a pharmacist said. (iStock)
“It’s becoming evident that this is a pretty severe variant of the flu,” Dr. Neil Maniar, professor of public health practice at Boston’s Northeastern University, previously told Fox News Digital. “Certainly, in other parts of the world where this variant has been prevalent, it’s caused some severe illness, and we’re seeing an aggressive flu season already.”
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“The vaccine still provides protection against serious illness resulting from the subclade K variant that seems to be going around,” he added.
Angelica Stabile contributed reporting.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/how-long-youre-contagious-flu-when-its-safe-go-out