How Long Does It Take to Get the Flu After Exposure?

We know that flu season can feel unpredictable. While it traditionally runs from fall through spring, our AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care centers see flu cases into the spring months, meaning exposure can happen any time between October and May.

Unfortunately, it’s easy to come in contact with the flu — your little one might catch it from a classmate, or you could be exposed at work or in other crowded spaces. It’s natural to worry about getting sick, but understanding how long it takes to develop the flu after exposure, recognizing early symptoms and taking simple precautions can help protect you and your loved ones.

How the Flu Spreads

Influenza, or the flu, is a common respiratory virus that affects your nose, throat and lungs and is more widespread than many realize. Each year, about 40 million Americans catch the flu, making it one of the most common illnesses during fall, winter and into spring.

The flu spreads very easily, which is why it can seem to be everywhere you go. You can catch the flu by:

• Breathing in droplets from someone who is infected when they cough, sneeze or talk
• Close contact with infected people, even if they don’t show symptoms
• Touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, phones or keyboards, and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes

You can be contagious a full day before symptoms appear and for several days afterward. Because the virus spreads so easily, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene, avoid close contact with those who are sick and take preventive measures such as getting the flu vaccine. Even small precautions can help protect you and your family from catching the flu.

Contracting the Flu After Exposure

The time between exposure and when symptoms begin to appear, known as the incubation period, can range from one to four days. Most people have an incubation period of two to three days.

Factors that may influence how long your flu incubation period may take include:

• Age: Children and older adults may have longer incubation periods
• How you became infected: Breathing in the virus may cause symptoms quicker than if you caught it by touching a contaminated surface
• Immunity: The strength of your immune system
• Overall health: Having certain chronic health conditions, like a respiratory illness, may impact your incubation period
• Strain: Which strain of influenza (A, B, C or D) you catch

If you’ve been exposed to the flu, it’s best to limit close contact with others until you know whether you’ve developed the flu.

Get your flu test at an AdventHealth Centra Care near you and learn more about how flu testing works.

Can You Prevent the Flu After Exposure?

Just because you’re exposed doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to catch the flu. It may be possible to prevent getting ill, even if you’re exposed. Here are some ways to prevent the flu after exposure:

• Avoid going out; stay home and rest: Give your body time to fight off the virus and avoid spreading it to others. Get at least seven hours of quality sleep each night.
• Frequently wash your hands: Wash your hands frequently, disinfect commonly touched surfaces and use hand sanitizer when needed.
• Get your flu vaccine: Stay protected from the flu by getting your annual vaccine. Flu season comes every year, but it doesn’t mean you have to let influenza into your home.
• Help your immune system help you: Support your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. Try immunity-boosting supplements like Vitamin C or Elderberry.

The best way to protect you and your family from the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. While the vaccine may not completely prevent illness, it can greatly reduce the severity of symptoms.

As the flu virus changes, it's essential to receive your flu shot annually in September or October, before flu season begins, to keep you and your loved ones protected.

Early Flu Symptoms to Watch For

The best way to avoid catching the flu is to limit your exposure. But with COVID-19, the common cold and other illnesses sharing similar symptoms, it’s not always easy to tell if you have the flu. As a general rule, it’s smart to keep your distance from anyone showing obvious signs of illness. But the most common symptoms of the flu include:

• Chest congestion
• Cough or scratchy throat
• Fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Severe nausea or sudden vomiting (more common in children)

Once flu symptoms begin, they generally worsen quickly. The most severe symptoms typically occur within the first three days after they appear. However, some symptoms like coughing and exhaustion may last for a few more days.

FAQs About Flu Exposure and Incubation Period

We know that you may have questions about the flu, including incubation periods, receiving vaccines and how to navigate this season. Rest assured, we’re here to help.

Can you become contagious during the incubation period?

Yes, even before symptoms appear, someone who has caught the flu can still spread it to others. That’s why, if you think you’ve been exposed, it’s a good idea to stay home, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and talk to your doctor about whether an antiviral medication can help.

Can you get the flu twice in one season?

Unfortunately, it’s possible to contract the flu twice in a single season. Because the influenza virus is constantly mutating, it's possible to be infected with a different strain during the year, especially if you’re not vaccinated.

Is it too late to get a flu shot after I was exposed?

No, it’s not too late. While we highly suggest getting your annual flu vaccine in September or October before the flu season begins, you can get the vaccine at any time during the year, including after you've had the flu. The vaccine can help reduce symptoms if you contract the flu again and can provide protection against other strains of the influenza virus.

How long does the flu last?

Everyone is different, but for most people, the flu takes between one and two weeks to show symptoms that become severe and then start to dissipate during recovery.

Do different flu strains have longer incubation periods?

Yes, some flu strains can vary slightly in how quickly symptoms appear. Influenza A, for example, typically has an incubation period of one to four days, although this can vary depending on the individual and the specific strain.

How long should you isolate after getting the flu?

Most people are no longer contagious starting 24 hours after their fever breaks. However, some people, especially those in high-risk populations, may stay contagious for longer.

Who is considered to be at high risk for the flu?

People considered high-risk for the flu often have a weakened immune system, are very young or in their older years or have underlying health conditions, such as chronic respiratory infections or lung disease.

Can I pick up over-the-counter medications to defend against the flu?

Over-the-counter medications alone won’t effectively treat the flu. Products like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve fever, aches or discomfort, but they don’t cure the flu or shorten its duration.

Keeping You and Your Loved Ones Protected From the Flu

After being exposed to the flu, symptoms can appear anywhere from one to four days later. Because the virus can spread quickly, it’s essential to watch for early signs and seek care quickly, which may include antiviral treatments.

If you think you’ve been exposed or are starting to feel sick, stop by or schedule a same-day visit at AdventHealth Centra Care for flu testing and flu treatment. Our compassionate providers are here to help you and your family feel better, fast.