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Influenza (the flu)

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs).

The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and the virus is sent into the air.

Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. MORE:

Reducing Your Risk of Getting Influenza

The winter months are the most common months for colds and flu. Can you tell the difference between the two?

Colds are caused by a virus. They usually begin slowly. The first symptoms are usually a scratchy, sore throat followed by sneezing, a runny nose, and a general “blah” feeling. Several days later a cough may develop. A cold will typically last for four or five days, sometimes less, and the symptoms will gradually go away. About 10 days later, the symptoms are usually gone completely.

Influenza, more commonly called the flu, often also begins with a sore throat, stuffy nose and cough. However, the symptoms quickly become more severe than those of a cold. Muscle aches, headaches and a fever over 102º F are common. Most people will recover from the flu within one to two weeks, but some people develop serious medical problems such as pneumonia. These people need to see their health care provider.

Influenza should not be confused with the “stomach flu”. Symptoms of stomach flu include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. True influenza rarely has these symptoms.

No two people get sick or recover in exactly the same way. If cold or flu-like symptoms last for more than a week or become severe, call your health care provider. There is no sure method for staying healthy. These simple tips can help reduce your risk of getting the flu:

Eat a well-balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables.
Get plenty of sleep. Many people need seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or face where a virus can more easily enter the body.
Wash your hands often to avoid spreading germs and viruses.

Follow these simple steps to wash your hands:

Place your hands under warm water from the sink.
Rub your hands together well with soap.
Wash the palms and backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Rinse the soap from your hands.
Dry your hands completely (using paper towels helps remove germs).
Throw your used paper towels in the trash (so no one else can get your germs).

If you are sick, you can prevent spreading germs by:

Staying home from work, school, daycare/preschool, or running errands.
Covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough to avoid spreading germs through the air. (If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.)
Not sharing silverware, cups, towels or other personal items until they have been washed using hot water and soap.
Cleaning and disinfecting common household surfaces including toilet flush handles, faucets, telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs and light switches.