Influenza (flu)

The flu is an illness caused by the influenza viruses which infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is spread directly from infected people or from objects that infected people have touched. The flu can be spread at any time, so it is important to take precautions year-round.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue

There are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. If the medication is started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin, flu antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They might also prevent some flu complications, like pneumonia.

It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every season.

Benefits of flu vaccination:

• Prevent you from getting sick with the flu
• Reduce the severity of illness if you still get sick
• Reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations and death