First symptoms of the flu: incubation, how does it start?

The flu is a highly contagious disease that is never asymptomatic, as Dr. Pierre Parneix, medical officer of health, immediately pointed out during our interview. This means that it is always accompanied by symptoms and never goes unnoticed. Dr Parneix added: “Once we have been contaminated, the virus develops in the cells of our body and causes the appearance of several symptoms.s”.

Are there signs that the flu is coming?

“There are no warning or warning signs of the flu. We will go directly from the incubation state (i.e. the moment when the person is in contact with the flu virus and contaminated, but does not yet present any particular symptoms while the virus is multiplying in the body) to the state of illness where flu symptoms appear”immediately asks Dr Pierre Parneix. “uOnce we have been contaminated by the flu virus, it develops in the cells of our body and causes the appearance of several symptoms (fatigue, cough, chills, etc.) announcing the illness.” he continues. It is then necessary help the body defend itself against the virus by resting, staying hydrated enough, eating foods rich in vitamins and clearing your nose.

What are the first symptoms of the flu?

• Severe fatigue (asthenia) which sets in gradually and increasingly
• Chills, even when you’re not cold
• A dry, painful cough

What are the common symptoms when the flu sets in?

• Headaches
• A high fever above 39°C
• An irritated and sore throat
• A stuffy and runny nose
• Muscle and joint pain that feels like aches
• Eyes that water, are bloodshot, or hurt when touched

Regarding duration, symptoms last approximately 5 days. Fatigue can persist for several weeks.

Are we contagious before symptoms appear?

The incubation phase of influenza, i.e. the period between contamination by the influenza virus and the appearance of the first symptoms, generally lasts between 24 and 48 hours, but it can extend to 72 hours in some people. The patient is therefore contagious 1 to 2 days before the appearance of symptoms and up to 5 to 7 days afterwards.

“It is during the first 2 days following the start of symptoms that we are most contagious”

“It is during the first two days following the onset of symptoms that we are most contagious because it is at this time that there is a great increase in the viral load and that the clinical symptoms are the most marked.“, indicates the expert. To limit the contagion of the virus, sick people must stay at home as much as possible or wear a surgical mask in case of contact with other people in an enclosed place. They must also cover their nose or mouth with a clean tissue or the crook of their elbow when they sneeze or cough and wash their hands regularly.

What medications should you take at the start of the flu?

People who have had prolonged contact with a person infected with influenza and are therefore likely to have contracted the virus can take antivirals (on prescription) before symptoms appear. This can help ease flu symptoms, limit the risk of complications and shorten the duration of illness. “This is a prophylactic treatment based on taking Tamiflu® (oseltamivir), an antiviral treatment which can be given up to 48 hours after the appearance of symptoms. Beyond that, it is no longer effectivespecifies our interlocutor. This treatment is particularly recommended for vulnerable people: pregnant women, people over 65, patients with chronic illnesses (respiratory failure, renal failure, heart failure, diabetes, morbid obesity, etc.) who are at greatest risk of having serious complications from the flu.“.

Thanks to Dr Pierre Parneix, medical officer of health and hospital public health practitioner (Bordeaux University Hospital).