What is flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses
that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness,
and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a
flu vaccine each year.
Signs and symptoms of flu
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and
symptoms:
· Fever* or feeling
feverish/chills
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (very tired)
· Some people may have
vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
How flu spreads?
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made
when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the
mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get
flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching
their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.
Period of contagiousness
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you
are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect
others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after
becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened
immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.
How serious is the flu?
Flu is unpredictable and how severe it is can vary widely from one
season to the next depending on many things, including:
· what flu viruses are
spreading,
· how much flu vaccine is
available
· when vaccine is available
· how many people get
vaccinated, and
· how well the flu vaccine
is matched to flu viruses that are causing illness.
Certain people are at
greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older
people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health
conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and persons who live
in facilities like nursing homes.
Complications of flu
Complications of flu can include bacterial
pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of
chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or
diabetes
CDC
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