Right now, duration, contagion, what is it?

Several types of influenza viruses can circulate including subtype A. It was predominant during the winter of 2024-2025.

What is flu has?

Flu is an infectious disease caused by viruses called “influenza virus”. They belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are four types of influenza virus that can cause flu: A, B, C and D. The three types A, B and C are able to infect humans but only types A and B are the cause of seasonal flu epidemics. The D virus only infects the animal. “Flu A viruses are the only known to cause influenza pandemics (the virus can extend to the whole world), due to their high propagation power and a low or absence of immunity against these viruses in infected people” recalls the High Authority for Health. Viruses A are themselves classified as subtypes or “strains” according to the characteristics of protein present on their surface: the proteins “hemagglutinin” (ha or h) and “neuraminidase” (na or n). Only two influenza subtypes circulate in the human population: H1N1 and H3N2. They can circulate simultaneously during the same seasonal epidemic.

What symptoms? After how long?

The incubation of the influenza virus is very short, only one to two days. The virus then targets the epithelial cells of the respiratory system. It is actively multiplied and diffuse from Rhinopharynx to the lower respiratory tract. It is the inflammatory response of the organism which explains the sudden appearance of the symptoms of the flu: fever (39-40 ° C), chills, headache, flowing nose, sore throat, cough … there can also exist more attenuated forms of flu.

How long is the contagion?

The influenza contagion period is a good week. “”The patient is contagious from the incubation (So ​​1 to 2 days before the start of the symptoms, note) And this during a period of about 6 days of up to 10 days, especially in children “ Dr. Laurence Legout, infectiologist at the Verger clinic in Switzerland in an article on influenza (H1N1). The transmission of the virus is done by air. “”The contaminated person projects saliva droplets into the air, speaking, sneezing. These droplets containing millions of viruses find themselves in the ambient air will be inhaled and breathed by a non -sick person who will in turn be sick“Continues Dr. Legout. Hence the importance of regularly ventilating closed spaces and wear a mask when you are sick.

How long does the flu last last?

The elimination of the virus is done in 7 to 10 days. The person is better after a week but post-grated fatigue sometimes accompanied by cough can last for several weeks.

What treatments?

The flu is treated with rest and paracetamol in case of fever, headache and aches (never aspirin, especially in children). Natural remedies can also help boost the body such as lemon juice, thyme herbal teas, the dissemination of essential oils from Niaouli, Ravintsara or Eucalyptus radiated to clean up the ambient air and clear the airways.

Please note, if the state of health worsened instead of improving over the days, you must consult or recall. The most frequent complications of the flu are respiratory: viral or bacterial pneumonia. The flu can lead to serious respiratory distress with vital prognosis. Hospitalization is necessary with the implementation of specific treatments. Smokers, the elderly, subjects over 45 with a chronic cardiac and/or respiratory pathology, infants, pregnant women, obese subjects (BMI> 40) or deeply immunocompromised are the most at risk of serious forms of flu.