Text Box: What is Influenza (also called Flu)? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall. Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; About 36, 000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, people with certain health conditions, and people on chemotherapy are at high risk for serious flu complications. Text Box: Symptoms of the Flu Fever (usually high) Sore throat Dry cough Runny or stuffy nose Headache Muscle aches Extreme tiredness Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults Text Box: Complications of Flu Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. How Flu Spreads Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick.

FACTS ABOUT THE FLU

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