With flu season just around the corner, many Sydneysiders are starting to worry. The flu typically peaks between December and February, with cases sometimes appearing as early as October. If you want to stay healthy, the best prevention is getting vaccinated. According to health experts, a flu shot can reduce your risk of illness by up to 60%. But if you’re already feeling under the weather or just want to be prepared, here’s what you need to know about flu recovery.

Common Flu Symptoms

Influenza can affect everyone differently, but there are a few hallmark symptoms that most people experience, including fever, coughing, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue. You might also deal with a stuffy nose, headaches, and in some cases, nausea or vomiting.

Isolation and Contagion Guidelines

Flu can be contagious even before symptoms appear, so it’s crucial to stay cautious. Generally, you should isolate yourself until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without the help of medication. If you’re still coughing or experiencing other respiratory symptoms, it’s best to continue staying home to avoid spreading the virus.

How to Treat the Flu

Once symptoms set in, the best course of action is to rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medication to alleviate discomfort. If symptoms are severe or you have underlying health conditions, consult your doctor to see if antiviral medications are right for you.

Flu Recovery Timeline

• Day 0-1: After exposure, the virus starts to replicate. Symptoms may begin as mild fatigue or a runny nose but often escalate quickly.
• Day 2-4: This is typically the peak of the illness. Fever, body aches, and coughing are at their worst, and you may feel extremely fatigued.
• Day 5-7: Symptoms should start to ease, and you’ll likely begin to feel better. However, if you’re still feeling short of breath or experience chest pains, see a doctor immediately, as it could indicate a complication like pneumonia.

At Rushcutters Health, we understand that staying healthy is key to maintaining an active lifestyle. Whether you’re working with a personal trainer in Sydney or joining one of our group fitness sessions, our goal is to help you stay fit, resilient, and ready to tackle anything—even flu season. And if you’re recovering from an illness, we can tailor your personal training program to support a safe return to fitness.

For those in Potts Point or nearby, our personal trainers are here to help you get back on track and feel your best.