Content on this page was developed during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and has not been updated.
- The H1N1 virus that caused that pandemic is now a regular human flu virus and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide.
- The English language content on this website is being archived for historic and reference purposes only.
- For current, updated information on seasonal flu, including information about H1N1, see the CDC Seasonal Flu website.
Download & print this entire guideCaring for Someone Sick at Home
Know the Symptoms of Flu
December 5, 2009, 6:00 AM ET
Flu symptoms
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- A fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
Some people may also:
- Throw up
- Have loose stools (diarrhea)
How long should people with the flu stay at home?
People with flu-like illness should stay at home except to get medical care or other necessities:
- Until at least 24 hours after they are free of a fever without having taken any medicines that lower fever. Examples of medicines that lower fever include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (such as Advil®; or Motrin®).
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