Most of the time, the flu is just a terrible week. But if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or a fever that won’t quit after day 5, call your doctor. That’s not the flu being dramatic—that’s a real red flag. For everyone else, you’re safe to whine a little, moan about missing work, and send passive-aggressive texts to anyone who coughs near you.
And before you ask: No, you can’t “sweat out” the flu by running a marathon or sitting in a sauna. That’s an urban legend, and you’ll just end up dehydrated and annoyed. Stay cozy, embrace the laziness, and let your immune system do its thing.