Influenza (flu)

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Influenza (flu)

Influenza (flu) is a viral upper respiratory illness that comes on suddenly, causing a person to feel very sick with symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a dry cough or sore, dry throat. Home treatment to reduce discomfort is usually all that is needed.

In some cases, the flu can lead to complications, such as bacterial pneumonia. People who are at high risk for complications include young children up to 5 years of age, adults age 65 and older, and all those who have certain health conditions, such as chronic heart or lung problems or immune system disorders.

Yearly immunization with the inactivated flu vaccine (flu shot) or the nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) helps reduce the risk of getting the flu and makes symptoms less severe for people who do get the flu.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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