What is flu

Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness that results from a viral infection. Flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. A person can pass it on while talking or through physical contact, such as shaking hands. Influenza A and influenza B cause seasonal epidemics in the United States and elsewhere every winter. Type C usually causes mild respiratory illness. Some strains of influenza A, such as the In this article, we explain the symptoms of flu, the treatment options, how it differs from a cold, and how to prevent the flu. Share on Pinterest japatino/Getty Images According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with flu • a high temperature that lasts 3–4 days • a stuffy or runny nose • cold sweats and shivers • aches that may be severe • a • Not everyone with flu will have all of these symptoms. For instance, it is possible to have The symptoms of influenza typically come on suddenly. Initially, a person with flu • a high temperature • a stuffy or runny nose • a dry cough • cold sweats and shivers • aches that may be severe • a headache • fatigue, and a feeling of being unwell • a low appetite Flu symptoms in adults Adults with the following symptoms should • breathing difficulties • pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • dizziness, confusion, or loss of alertness • seizures • not urinating, which may indicate • severe pain, weakness, and unsteadiness • a • a worsening of other existing health conditions Flu sympt...

When an influenza pandemic emerges, WHO adheres to its six-phase preparedness plan. Phases 1–3 are the early stages in pandemic preparedness designed to prevent or contain small outbreaks. The 4th and 5th phases are characterized by urgency in implementation of mitigation procedures. Phase 6 is characterized by widespread disease and sustained transmission of the virus between humans. The symptoms of influenza include sudden and distinct chills, fatigue, and muscle aches. A person’s body temperature rises rapidly to 38–40 °C (101–104 °F). There are diffuse headaches and severe muscular aches accompanied by irritation or a sense of rawness in the throat. Symptoms associated with respiratory tract infection become more prominent, accompanied by lingering feelings of weakness. influenza, also called flu or grippe, an Classification of influenza viruses Influenza is caused by any of several closely related viruses in the family Influenza D viruses are not known to infect humans and have been observed only in pigs and cattle. Influenza A viruses are classified into subtypes, and both influenza B and subtypes of influenza A are further divided into strains. Subtypes of influenza A are Evolution and virulence of influenza viruses Between worldwide outbreaks, known as

Flu vs. Cold vs. COVID-19 Symptoms Symptoms Flu Cold COVID-19 Headache Common Rare Common Sore throat Common Common Common Runny nose Common Common Common Muscle aches Common Sometimes Common Diarrhea Sometimes (mostly kids) No Sometimes Cough Common Common Common (usually dry) Nausea, vomiting Sometimes (mostly kids) No Sometimes Loss of sense of smell or taste Rare Sometimes (with congestion) Common (without congestion) Tiredness Common Sometimes Common Fever Common Sometimes Common Shortness of breath Common Rare Common Sneezing Rare Common Rare What Causes the Flu? The flu is caused by various influenza virus strains passed between humans and, in some cases, from animals to humans. The viruses can spread fast across the globe, especially flu A, because of their ability to mutate quickly. This is why flu A viruses can cause a worldwide pandemic. Otherwise, the best thing for you to do if you have the flu is to stay home and rest. Avoid contact with others unless you require medical care or are in a higher-risk group for complications. Avoid being around others until you are fever-free for 24 hours and without other symptoms. If you need to be around others, wear a mask to help prevent the spread of germs. If you are home resting with the flu, stay hydrated with fluids like water, juice, herbal tea, popsicles, broth, or electrolyte drinks, especially if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Make a warm saltwater mix to gargle and soothe a sore throat. If you're cong...

What Is Flu? Influenza (in-floo-en-zuh), or flu, is a contagious viral infection that can cause mild to severe symptoms and life-threatening complications, including death, even in healthy children and adults. Influenza viruses spread mainly from one individual to another through coughing or sneezing. Less often, they can also spread through touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose. Individuals can pass flu on to others even before their own symptoms start and for a week or more after symptoms begin. Burden While the numbers vary, in the US, millions of individuals get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from flu and related complications each year. Flu also affects employers and businesses and costs an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs in the US annually. During the 2021-2022 flu season, flu vaccination prevented approximately 9 million flu illnesses, 100,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths. Symptoms Flu is not just a common cold. It usually comes on suddenly, and people with flu may have some or all of the following symptoms (think F.A.C.T.S.): • Fever • Aches (muscle, body, and headaches) • Chills • Tiredness (fatigue) • Sudden onset • Cough, runny or stuffy nose, and/or sore throat • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) Prevention The best way to prevent flu is to receive an influenza vaccination every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (...

Overview Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses which circulate in all parts of the world.There are 4 types of influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease. • Influenza A viruses are further classified into subtypes according to the combinations of the hemagglutinin (HA) and the neuraminidase (NA), the proteins on the surface of the virus. Currently circulating in humans are subtype A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) influenza viruses. The A(H1N1) is also written as A(H1N1)pdm09 as it caused the pandemic in 2009 and subsequently replaced the seasonal influenza A(H1N1) virus which had circulated prior to 2009. Only influenza type A viruses are known to have caused pandemics. • Influenza B viruses are not classified into subtypes, but can be broken down into lineages. Currently circulating influenza type B viruses belong to either B/Yamagata or B/Victoria lineage. • Influenza C virus is detected less frequently and usually causes mild infections, thus does not present public health importance. • Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people. Signs and symptoms Seasonal influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and a runny nose. The cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks. Most people recover from fever and o...

Worried about catching the What is the flu? What's the difference between a cold and flu? The common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract. Although the symptoms can be similar, flu is much worse. A cold may drag you down a bit, but the flu can make you shudder at the very thought of getting out of bed. Congestion, More than 100 types of cold viruses are known, and new strains of flu evolve every few years. Since both diseases are viral, Four antiviral For in-depth information, see WebMD's How are stomach flu and influenza different? "Stomach flu" is a popular term, but not a true medical diagnosis. It's not uncommon to mistake For more about gastrointestinal flu, read WebMD's How is flu spread? The flu virus is spread from person to person through respiratory secretions and typically sweeps through large groups of people who spend time in close contact, such as in Flu is spread when you inhale droplets in the air that contain the flu virus, make direct contact with respiratory secretions through sharing drinks or utensils, or handle items contaminated by an infected person. In the latter case, the flu virus on your Who's at greatest risk for flu complications? While anyone can get flu, infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, Specific strains of flu can be prevented by a For in-depth information, see WebMD's Are there different types of flu viruses? Researchers divide flu v...