The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza type A or type B
viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can be fatal. The best way
to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination (flu shot) each fall.1
Each year in the United States, seasonal flu imposes a heavy burden on society:1
- About 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu
- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications
- About 36,000 people die from flu complications
Common flu symptoms in adults and
young children1
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In Adults |
Children may also experience |
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Symptoms
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- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
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Complications
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- Bacterial pneumonia
- Dehydration
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions (congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes)
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- Sinus problems
- Ear infections
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Flu spreads easily1
Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. The flu
viruses usually spread from person-to-person, though sometimes people become infected
by touching something with a flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Most healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before symptoms develop and up to
5 days after becoming sick. 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.
Now that you know a little more about seasonal flu, find
out who is most at risk to get it.
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Tell-A-Colleague
