How contagious is the flu?

Hey everyone!

So, my best friend just came down with the flu, and I'm really worried I'm going to get sick. She slept over at my house on Saturday, and she was just a little...off, you know? We didn't realize she was getting sick. But the next morning she was hella tired, and sniffly and coughing etc... and she just got worse from there. She's been out of school for the last three days.

Do you think I'll catch what she's got? I mean- we did sit next to each other, eat together, and sleep in the same room. I got a flu shot, but then again, so did she. I usually have a great immune system. I'm never ill, not ever.

Five days later, and I'm not feeling so hot. I'm really, really tired, and I have the headache from hell. The thing is, this could just be some nasty (sorry if TMI) period/PMS type symptoms, though.

To sum things up: Is the flu very contagious? What's the average incubation period and the usual symptoms that you get at the beginning of the flu? Will I get sick?

anw122: She got the flu shot about a month ago. I got mine in January.

The flu is very contagious and what is worse is that there are different strands!! I just went to the doctor because I have the stomach flu and she told me that there have been a lot of people going in even if they have had the flu shot. She said that the problem is you never know which kind of strand will be going around. So some people still get the flu even when they have had the shot. You need to make sure you are taking a lot of vitamin c. Airborne is really good. I always feel better when I take it. It is loaded with vitamins.Garlic and onions are good to boost the immune system too. Make sure you wash all your sheets too. Good luck and hope you don't get sick!

is it is contiguas and you probably will no matter how "great" your immune system is

I agree with the first person, but I was wondering how long ago did your friend get the flu shot. It takes up to 2 weeks to work. I was told to avoid sick people like the plague until mine kicked in.

The flu is pretty contagious. I'm not sure but I think you might get it, oh and if you do go to the doc. you can get tamiflu which speeds up recovery and keeps it from being as contagious. You may get the flu because this year the flu shot didn't have the right strains of the flu. Oh yeah and most common symptoms at beginning, well like it hits you like a train. For me, it was sore throat, and Extreme tiredness. I hope that I Helped You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!