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.
