Flu: the first two days
In order for you to get the flu, the virus must come into contact with your respiratory system. Nothing could be simpler: either a person coughs or sneezes near you and the virus rushes into your lungs, or you touch a surface infected by the virus (doorknob, grab bar in public transport …) and then carry your hand near your mouth… Within hours, the virus makes its way to the cells of your respiratory system and they begin to reproduce.
What are the symptoms ? For the moment, there is none!
What you can do: not much at this stage of the infection because you probably didn’t even realize you got the flu virus.
Flu: the next 5 to 6 days
Immune cells are called in to reinforce the respiratory system, where the virus is spreading. The cells then send the first signals to your body that they need to start the immune defense process so that the virus does not infect new cells.
What are the symptoms ? This is when you experience the first chills, as well as great fatigue and possibly fever and body aches.
What you can do: Staying warm is pretty much the only thing to do at first. To relieve symptoms, take paracetamol to lower fever and relieve aching pain (no more than 4g per day). Lots of hot drinks (tea, herbal tea) and remember that at this stage of the infection you are highly contagious. So stay at home (if possible) and decline courtesy visits from family!
Note: young children are more contagious than adultss because they have not yet built enough antibodies against the virus, so the influenza virus reproduces faster and stronger than in an adult. They are also contagious for longer: around 10 days compared to 5-6 days for adults.
Flu: the last few days
Thanks to the response of your immune cells, you should be able to say goodbye to the flu virus after about 8 days.
What are the symptoms ? It is quite normal to feel tired for a few more days. You can resume your professional activities, but remain vigilant and wait a little before resuming your sports activities: it can sometimes take a fortnight to recover from the flu.
Note that we are not all equal when it comes to the flu: the virus lasts longer in women than in men.
