Most patients who get the flu recover in 3 to 14 days, but influenza can cause complications that could be life threatening. For high-risk patients, dangers of the flu are even greater and can lead to serious complications, make chronic health problems worse, or even cause death.7,12
During the 2023 to 2024 flu season in the United States, the CDC estimated that influenza was associated with up to14:
The flu is a serious, contagious disease that impacts people of all ages and ethnicities. To make matters more serious, some symptoms of the flu can be quite similar to and/or overlap with the typical symptoms of COVID-19 and the common cold.12,16-21
SYMPTOMS | FLU | COVID-19 | COMMON COLD |
---|---|---|---|
Incubation Period | 1-4 days | Varies | Varies, but usually under 2 days |
Symptom Onset | Sudden | Varies | Gradual |
Fever | Common | Common | Rare |
Chills | Common | Common | Uncommon |
Cough | Common | Common | Common |
Fatigue | Common | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Sometimes | Rare | Common |
Nasal Congestion/Stuffy and/or Runny Nose | Sometimes | Common | Common |
New Loss of Taste/Sense of Smell | Rare | Common | Rare |
Diarrhea | Common | Common | Rare |
Body Aches | Common | Common | Slight |
Sore Throat | Sometimes | Common | Common |
Headache | Common | Common | Rare |
Shortness of Breath | Common | Common | Not Reported/Rare |
While single-dose XOFLUZA does not treat COVID-19 or the common cold, coinfection with the flu and COVID-19 is possible. If the flu is confirmed or suspected, consider prescribing a flu antiviral immediately, regardless of COVID-19 infection.1,22,23
When there is a clinical diagnosis of flu or suspected flu, the CDC recommends treating flu patients at high risk of developing complications empirically with an antiviral flu treatment. Empiric antiviral treatment is also recommended for non–high-risk outpatients with suspected influenza based on clinical judgment, including without an office visit, in communities where influenza is circulating. The CDC updates its Antiviral and Treatment Recommendations every year and has included XOFLUZA among its list of antiviral medications recommended for the flu.23†
†Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC does not endorse private products, services, or enterprises. The content provided is for informational purposes only. Find the latest at CDC.gov.
Keep it simple with a full course of treatment in a single dose.1
XOFLUZA. Prescribing information. Genentech USA, Inc.
XOFLUZA. Prescribing information. Genentech USA, Inc.
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TAMIFLU. Prescribing information. Genentech USA, Inc.; 2019.
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