What Is Flu B?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
5. How Is Flu B Different from a Cold and How Long Is It Contagious?
Both the flu and cold are illnesses of the respiratory system, and some symptoms are the same. However, they are caused by different viruses. The cold virus only infects the upper respiratory tract, while the flu infects both upper and lower tracts. Colds also tend to have less severe symptoms.
The worst symptoms of the flu typically last three to four days, although full recovery often takes seven to 10 days. Someone is contagious around 24 to 72 hours after getting infected with the virus, and often symptoms have not appeared yet. Unfortunately, this means that many people spread the virus without even knowing it because they feel fine. The virus is no longer contagious 24 hours after the fever is gone.
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