Seasonal Flu

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It attacks the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) in humans.

Every year in the United States, 5 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu. Of those, more than 200,000 people will be hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 will die.

Anyone can become infected, but the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and people with chronic health conditions are more likely to become seriously ill or die from the flu or its complications. The most common complications is pneumonia.

The information below describes the common flu signs and symptoms, ways to protect yourself from the flu and what to do if you get sick.

How the Flu Spreads

Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets when infected people cough and sneeze. The virus becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby. It can also spread when a person touches an object that has been contaminated with droplets and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.

Studies show that most healthy adults may be able to infect others from one day before becoming sick and for five days after they first develop symptoms. Some young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer than a week. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Symptoms of the Flu

Symptoms of influenza resemble those of a cold, but come on swiftly and are more pronounced. A person with the flu may experience fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Children can sometimes suffer from nausea and vomiting, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults.

Although the term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, these illnesses are caused by certain other viruses, bacteria, or possibly parasites and are rarely related to influenza.

Risks of the Flu

For the vast majority of people, the flu is a mild illness that lasts only a few days and doesn''t require any serious treatment. Some people get much sicker and may even need to be hospitalized. Those most at risk for serious illness include people over age 65, young children, pregnant women and anyone with serious long-term health problems. This includes people with asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, immune system problems, diabetes, and blood disorders.