Influenza, more commonly referred to as “the flu,” is a viral respiratory illness that is contagious in both adults and children. With influenza symptoms in adults presenting as fever, body aches, fatigue, congestion, cough, and other similar symptoms, this illness can become severe, requiring more care than what you can find at home.
Most adults are able to recover relatively quickly with rest and at-home supportive care. Some severe cases, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, adult influenza complications can develop that require medical attention and evaluation.
At Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, our team is equipped and ready to help you and your loved ones find relief from adult influenza symptoms, and get you feeling better as quickly as possible. Whether your case of the flu is severe, or you simply feel like you should be seen by a provider, we are happy to schedule you an appointment.
What Is Influenza?
Adult influenza, or seasonal flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a fast-spreading virus. It is most commonly seen during “cold and flu season,” which begins in the fall and can last until the end of spring. This is when people are likely to spend more time indoors and in close contact with one another. It’s important to remember influenza is different from the common cold, and can only be diagnosed through flu testing at a clinic, pharmacy, or other healthcare facility.
Common Influenza Symptoms In Adults
While some flu cases may vary, the most common influenza symptoms in adults include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Dry cough
- Nausea or vomiting in some cases
How Long Does The Flu Last?
If an adult is healthy, and doesn’t have any underlying health conditions, the flu typically lasts between 7-10 days. If you notice that, after a week, you do not see any improvement or you start to feel worse, it’s time to call Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents to request a same-day urgent care appointment for your lingering flu symptoms.
It’s common to feel fatigue after a bout of the flu, but excessive fatigue that hinders your ability to function normally should not last longer than 7-10 days. Similarly, shortness of breath, persistently high fever, chest pain, and signs of dehydration should all be seen quickly by your provider.
Influenza vs The Common Cold
While adult influenza and the common cold can present with similar symptoms, they can have very different severity levels and complications. This makes it important to be able to tell some key differences between the two illnesses.
How do you prevent Influenza?
Though it can be difficult to avoid, you can take steps toward flu prevention for you and your family. To lessen your chances of getting the flu, we recommend:
- Cover your nose or mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Clean your hands with warm water and soap regularly
- Use hand sanitizer if hand-washing isn’t an option
- Clean and disinfect home surfaces
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms
- Get an annual flu shot
Who should get a flu shot in Omaha?
The influenza vaccine has been around for decades and continues to be one of the most effective methods of flu prevention. At Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, we recommend that anyone over 6 months of age without adverse conditions get a flu shot. We also recommend scheduling your flu shots by Halloween in order to get the maximum amount of protection from the vaccine.
There are certain cases in which people may not be eligible to receive a flu shot, including:
- Infants under 6 months of age
- People with known vaccine allergies or past reactions
- People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Adult Influenza (Flu) vs. Common Cold
| Symptom | Influenza (Flu) | Common Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Often sudden | Usually gradual |
| Fever | Common | Uncommon in adults |
| Body Aches | Often moderate to severe | Usually mild |
| Fatigue | Common and may be significant | Usually mild |
| Chills | Common | Uncommon |
| Headache | Common | Less common |
| Cough | Often dry and persistent | Usually mild to moderate |
| Nasal Congestion | Sometimes present | Common |
| Sneezing | Less common | Common |
| Sore Throat | Sometimes present | Common |
| Typical Duration | 5–14 days | 3–10 days |
| Risk of Complications | Higher, especially in older adults | Generally lower |
When Should Adults See A Doctor For The Flu?
While the flu can often be cared for successfully at home, certain worsening symptoms can signal severe, dangerous complications that require urgent or emergency care. If you notice any of the following symptoms, we recommend calling our Omaha, Nebraska office to request a same-day appointment with a provider.
- Shortness of breath
- Dehydration
- Persistent high fever
- Worsening symptoms
- Underlying medical conditions
- Symptoms lasting longer than expected
Call ahead to request a same-day appointment.
Flu Treatment For Adults
Since adult influenza is a viral respiratory infection, the best treatment involves relieving your symptoms while you rest, recover, and monitor for complications. This includes:
- Proper hydration
- Fever and pain management through over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- Rest
- Warm beverages like tea or lemon water
- Over-the-counter symptom management like lozenges, sinus rinses, etc.
In some cases, a provider may prescribe antiviral medications if they deem it appropriate.
Who Is At Higher Risk For Flu Complications?
As mentioned above, most adults with influenza are able to recover at home without issue by monitoring symptoms, managing pain and fever, and getting plenty of rest. For others, however, the risk of severe complications from the flu is greater, and requires more intense monitoring and care.
This includes the following:
- Older adults
- Asthma/COPD
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Weakened immune systems
- Pregnancy
If you are experiencing flu symptoms and have any of these conditions, it’s a good idea to call and schedule an appointment with your provider.
Adult Flu Evaluation & Treatment
At Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, you can count on a friendly, knowledgeable experience that ensures you’re seen quickly, so you can get home to recover. Call us today to make a same-day urgent care appointment in Omaha for flu symptom evaluation and testing, or to establish adult primary care with us. Our providers will give you guidance for at-home supportive care and symptom management, and prescribe you any medications needed to get you feeling better, faster.
FAQs for Adults With Influenza
What are common flu symptoms in adults?
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Dry cough
- Nausea or vomiting in some cases
How long does influenza last?
7-10 days for healthy adults without underlying conditions.
What is the difference between the flu and a cold?
Cold and flu share similar symptoms, but flu often manifests more suddenly and is often more severe. Symptoms like fever and body aches are amplified and more common in influenza.
When should I see a doctor for the flu?
If you experience the following, see a provider:
- Shortness of breath
- Dehydration
- Persistent high fever
- Worsening symptoms
- Underlying medical conditions
- Symptoms lasting longer than expected
Can adults request same day care for flu symptoms?
Yes, please call Nebraska Home Parents & Pediatrics to request a same-day urgent care appointment for adult influenza symptoms.
How contagious is influenza?
Influenza is considered highly contagious, making proper hygiene procedures extremely important during cold and flu season.
Can influenza cause serious complications?
Yes, especially in older adults and those with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions.
Is your child experiencing flu symptoms? Learn about pediatric influenza evaluation and treatment.