Whether you got that dreaded positive on a flu test, or you feel feverish and achy and strongly suspect the flu, one question looms: What should I do now?

Start by staying home and resting. Reach out to your doctor’s office or clinic if your symptoms are severe, you’re 65 or older, or you have a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes. Older people have a higher risk of developing serious flu complications, such as pneumonia. Acting quickly may help you recover sooner and lower your risk of becoming extremely ill.

What to Do If You Have (or Suspect) the Flu

What should I do first if I have the flu?

Your biggest priority should be staying home and giving your body time to recover. Clear your calendar and rest as much as you can, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and avoid getting too close to others.

If you’re 65 or older, you need to take extra precautions. Call your doctor’s office or clinic as soon as flu symptoms begin, even if you don’t feel that sick. Be ready to share when your symptoms started and tell them if you have a fever or breathing problems.

“Also, make it a point to mention any chronic health conditions you have, such as COPD or heart disease, and notify them if you’re immunocompromised,” said Dorothea Vafiadis, NCOA Senior Strategist for Healthy Aging. “This is all critical information that can help your provider decide whether you need testing or immediate treatment.”

Should I get tested for flu?

A flu test makes sense if you have flu-like symptoms, you've been sick for less than 48 hours, and you might be a candidate for antiviral medication (which works best when started early). It's also important if you're at greater risk for flu complications. High-risk groups include people age 65+, those who are immunocompromised, and those with conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung disease.

There are several types of flu tests. One of the most common is a rapid diagnostic test, which uses a nasal or throat swab and can provide results in about 10–15 minutes. Keep in mind that a negative rapid flu test does not always rule out the flu. Your provider may diagnose and treat you solely based on your symptoms and the level of flu cases in your community.

Is it the flu or COVID? These respiratory illnesses share many symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, headache, and body aches. You can’t always tell them apart based on symptoms alone, which is why testing is a good idea. Some medical practices and clinics offer a single test that checks for both viruses (you can also buy these “combination” tests over the counter for use at home). Learn more about the differences between the flu and COVID.

Should I take an antiviral for the flu?

If you’re 65 or older, ask your provider about antiviral flu treatments right away. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends early antiviral treatment for people who have (or are suspected to have) the flu and are at high risk for complications. The FDA has approved four antiviral medicines to treat the flu: Tamiflu® (oseltamivir), Xofluza® (baloxavir marboxil), Relenza® (zanamivir), and Rapivab® (peramivir). Tamiflu®, an oral medication given in pill or liquid form, is the most widely prescribed.

Prescription flu antivirals work by slowing down how fast the influenza virus multiplies in your body. They can make your flu symptoms milder and shorten the duration of your illness. More importantly, they can reduce the risk of some complications, hospitalization, and even death. A CDC study found that very early treatment with Tamiflu reduced the risk of death in adults hospitalized with flu.¹ On average, people who start Tamiflu within 48 hours after symptoms begin recover about one day sooner than those who don’t take an antiviral medicine.²

How soon should you start an antiviral for the flu?

Antivirals work best when started within 48 hours (2 days) after flu symptoms begin—so don’t wait to see whether you improve before calling your provider. Antiviral treatment started later may still help if you’re very sick or hospitalized or you have a high-risk health condition.

Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral without waiting for a positive flu test. The best medication for you will depend on factors like your health, age, symptoms, and other medicines you take regularly.

How can I manage flu symptoms at home?

Rest as much as you can and drink water, broth, tea, or electrolyte-enriched drinks to prevent dehydration when you’re battling the flu at home. If your appetite is low, try small, easy-to-eat meals and snacks—like apples with peanut butter or Greek yogurt with fresh berries sprinkled on top.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve) may help relieve fever, headaches, body and muscle aches, cough, or congestion. “But check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking them,” Vafiadis said. “If you take several medications, you should know some cold and flu products can interact with prescriptions or worsen certain conditions like high blood pressure or glaucoma. Also, check labels carefully so you don’t accidentally take two products containing the same ingredient.”

How can I keep from spreading the flu?

Remain at home until your symptoms are getting better overall and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine. Do your best to keep your distance from the people you live with, especially anyone at high risk of serious illness.

You can also help prevent the spread by:

• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Washing your hands often
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces often (e.g., doorknobs, appliance handles)
• Avoiding sharing things like cups, utensils, and towels
• Improving ventilation in your home (e.g., open windows or use an air purifier)
• Wearing a well-fitting mask around others

When should I call my doctor about the flu?

Contact your doctor’s office or clinic if your symptoms aren’t steadily improving or they’re getting worse, your fever persists or returns, or you’re having trouble drinking enough fluids (which can lead to dehydration).

When is the flu an emergency?

Call 911 or go directly to your local hospital’s emergency department if you have the flu accompanied by any of these warning signs:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Ongoing pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, sudden confusion, or trouble waking up
• A seizure
• Little or no urination (a sign of severe dehydration)
• Severe weakness, unsteadiness, or muscle pain
• A serious flare-up of a chronic health condition (e.g., COPD or asthma)

You should also seek emergency care if your flu symptoms start to improve, but then you come down with an even worse cough or high fever. This can sometimes signal pneumonia or another flu complication.

The list above is not exhaustive, so trust your instincts. If a flu symptom feels severe or far outside what’s normal, get immediate medical help.

How long does it take to recover from the flu?

Many people begin feeling better within several days, but full recovery from the flu may take 1 to 2 weeks. Coughing, weakness, and fatigue can still linger after the fever and body aches are gone.

Recovery may take longer for older adults, especially after a severe bout of illness or complications. A commenter in Reddit’s r/AskWomenOver60 community wrote: “Influenza hits hard. I got the flu when I was 58. I felt like my bones had turned to broken glass. Everything hurt. My hair hurt. It took a week to feel subhuman again.”

To ensure a smoother recovery, ease back into your usual activities instead of trying to catch up all at once. “Pay attention to your body,” NCOA’s Vafiadis said. “If you aren’t steadily improving or you’re having a lot of fatigue that makes daily tasks difficult to manage, reach out to your doctor’s office or clinic.”

What if I have both flu and COVID?

It is possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time, although this is rare. But having both respiratory illnesses at once may lead to more severe illness than having either infection alone.

Call your provider right away if you test positive for flu and COVID, or think you could have a dual infection. Each illness has different treatments, and both flu and COVID antiviral medications work best when started early.

How can I prevent getting the flu again?

Unfortunately, while having the flu gives you a degree of immunity against that particular strain, it does not protect you from every flu strain circulating that season. So once you recover, ask your provider if you still need a flu vaccine. The flu shot is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of severe flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death.

In a Sept. 1, 2026 update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that for the 2026–2027 flu season, last year’s seasonal influenza vaccination recommendations remain in effect. This means everyone age 6 months and older, with few exceptions, should get a seasonal flu shot every year. The flu vaccine has been completely updated for 2026–2027 to better target the dominant flu strain that was widely circulating last season.

And now, a new flu vaccine option is available. mFLUSIVA is the first mRNA flu vaccine approved for adults age 50+ in the U.S.

What is the new mRNA flu vaccine?

Made by Moderna, mFLUSIVA is based on the same technology used to create the COVID vaccines given to hundreds of millions of people globally. mRNA technology works by helping your immune system recognize and fight influenza.

mFLUSIVA is now available at major retail pharmacies like CVS for adults age 50+ and gradually rolling out to other sites nationwide. Most private health plans are expected to cover the vaccine, which costs about $171 per dose without insurance (but can be lower, depending on the pharmacy). Medicare is required to 100% cover mFLUSIVA and all other FDA-approved seasonal flu vaccines. If you have Medicaid, check with your state Medicaid office about coverage for mFLUSIVA.

In a Phase 3 clinical trial of more than 40,000 adults age 50+, mFLUSIVA provided 26.6% more protection against laboratory-confirmed flu than a standard-dose flu vaccine. For adults age 65 and older, CDC recommends Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, or Fluad, while mFLUSIVA is also approved for this age group. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you.

Beyond getting your annual flu shot, you can help prevent the flu by washing your hands, keeping your distance from people who are sick, and making sure your indoor spaces are well-ventilated.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long is the flu contagious?
People with the flu may spread it starting about a day before symptoms appear and for roughly 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. You’re usually most contagious during the first 3 days.

Should I see a doctor if I have the flu?
If you’re 65 or older or you have a chronic condition like asthma, obesity, or diabetes, contact your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. You may benefit from early treatment with antiviral medication.

Can older adults take flu antivirals?
Yes. Antivirals are particularly important for older adults because they face a higher risk of serious flu complications like pneumonia, myocarditis, or the worsening of chronic diseases. Your doctor can choose the safest and most appropriate antiviral treatment for you.

How soon should I start flu treatment?
Antivirals work best when started within 2 days after symptoms begin. Since timing matters, call your doctor’s office or health clinic right away—don’t wait to see if your flu symptoms get worse.

How long does the flu last in older adults?
The main illness often lasts several days to 2 weeks, but flu-related tiredness and weakness may continue longer. Recovery time can vary from person to person. It depends on your age, your general health, and whether you develop any complications.

Can I have flu and COVID at the same time?
Yes. A combined rapid test (that tests for COVID, flu A, flu B, and sometimes even RSV) can identify both infections; these tests are available at many drugstores for home use. If you test positive for both illnesses, get in touch with your provider right away. You may need separate treatment for each illness.

Sources

1. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC Study Shows Early Flu Antiviral Treatment Decreases Risk of Death. August 30, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/whats-new/2023-2024-study-treatment-death.html

2. National Center for Health Research. To Tamiflu or Not to Tamiflu? Are Other Flu Treatments Better? Found on the internet at https://www.center4research.org/tamiflu-not-tamiflu/