When Can You Go Back to Work or School After the Flu?

In general, wait until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine and feel well enough to resume normal activities. A fever can indicate that your body is still responding to an infection.

Your workplace or school may have additional requirements. Check its policy before returning, especially if you work with young children, older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Having a cough or feeling tired can continue after the worst flu symptoms improve. However, if you’re fever-free, breathing comfortably and well enough to take part in your normal day, you may be ready to return. Take breaks, drink fluids and consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others if you’re still coughing.

Stay home and ask a healthcare professional for guidance if your symptoms are getting worse, you’re too tired to participate or you have trouble breathing.

Children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and feel well enough to participate in school activities. A child who is vomiting, has diarrhea, is unusually sleepy or cannot keep up with normal activity should stay home.

School policies may be more specific, so check with your child’s school before sending them back.

Yes, you can still spread the flu even after you feel better. People can spread the flu before they know they’re sick, and they can remain contagious even as symptoms improve. Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes and avoid close contact with people at higher risk of serious illness while you recover.

Read our blog to learn more about flu testing and returning to normal activities.

Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are worsening, return after improving or you don’t seem to be getting better. Seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness or signs of dehydration.;

If you’re unsure whether you need to go to the ER for a fever, it’s best to play it safe and visit your nearest AdventHealth emergency care location or urgent care for the prompt care you need.

To recover from the flu at home, rest, drink fluids and follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional. Consider making an at-home flu kit in advance so you have the supplies you need at a moment’s notice. If you have children, learn how to protect them from classroom germs to keep them safe during flu season.