More than half the United States is reporting high or very high flu activity right now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and hospitals are all seeing a rise in cases — and the surge isn't over yet.
"Numbers of emergency department visits, outpatient visits, hospitalizations are all on the increase, and it looks like this is mostly driven by numbers in children," says Dr. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Younger adults are following close behind, with older adults expected to make up a larger share of cases in the coming weeks.
What the flu actually feels like
The flu doesn't creep up on you. "It tends to hit very hard and very fast," Hopkins explains. "People will often be able to tell you within the minute or the hour when their symptoms started." Most people experience a sudden fever, headaches, and body aches — the kind of aches that make you want to stay in bed. Chills are common too. You might also notice a cough, runny nose, or sore throat early on.
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Start Your News DetoxIn children, the picture can look different. Younger kids especially tend to show gastrointestinal symptoms alongside the respiratory ones: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or just refusing to eat. "Often in kids, we can typically see more gastrointestinal complaints," says Dr. Madison Szar, a pediatrician with Bluebird Kids Health.
The key difference from a cold: flu symptoms are generally more severe and come on faster.
When to actually call your doctor
If you notice flu symptoms, contact your doctor early. There are antivirals available that work best within the first 48 hours of symptom onset — so timing matters, especially if you're in a high-risk group. Even if you're not, certain warning signs warrant immediate attention: a fever that goes away and then returns, dizziness, lightheadedness, or a sudden drop in how often you're urinating. These can signal complications.
What to do if you have it
Stay home. You're contagious, and your body needs the rest. Drink water, herbal tea, electrolyte drinks — anything that keeps you hydrated. Fever reducers and pain relievers can help, as can honey for coughs. The goal is to let your immune system do its job without spreading the virus further.
The flu vaccine remains your best defense, even this far into the season. It won't necessarily prevent infection, but it significantly reduces how severe your illness becomes. "Getting vaccinated can reduce your likelihood of having a second flu through the course of the flu season," Hopkins notes. It's not too late to get one.
