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Content on this page was developed during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and has not been updated.

  • The H1N1 virus that caused that pandemic is now a regular human flu virus and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide.
  • The English language content on this website is being archived for historic and reference purposes only.
  • For current, updated information on seasonal flu, including information about H1N1, see the CDC Seasonal Flu website.

Caring for Someone Sick at Home

Know the Symptoms of Flu

December 5, 2009, 6:00 AM ET

Flu symptoms

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:man with flu symptoms

  • A fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)

Some people may also:

  • Throw up
  • Have loose stools (diarrhea)

How long should people with the flu stay at home?

People with flu-like illness should stay at home except to get medical care or other necessities:

  • Until at least 24 hours after they are free of a fever without having taken any medicines that lower fever. Examples of medicines that lower fever include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (such as Advil®; or Motrin®).
 
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