The site mentions that the treatment for flu should be started within 24 to 48 hours after onset
of symptoms.
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Surviving the Flu | Caring for Your Sick Child | Back to Main Guide
Is It a Cold or the Flu? Symptoms Cold Flu
Fever Rare Characteristic, high (102-104À ÀF); lasts 3-4 days
Headache Rare Prominent
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion Never Early and prominent
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore Throat Common Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Mild to moderate; Common; can become severe Cough hacking cough
Complications Sinus congestion Bronchitis, pneumonia; or earache can be life threatening
Prevention None Annual vaccination; amantadine or rimantadine (antiviral drugs)
Treatment Only temporary Amantadine or rimantadine within relief of symptoms 24-48 hours after onset
of symptoms
SOURCE: The National Institute of Allergy and Diseases,