The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine 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.
    - Approximately 36,000 people die from the flu.

Some people are at high risk for serious flu complications, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, including pregnancy.

Symptoms & Complications of Flu:

- Fever (usually high)        - Headache
- Extreme tiredness            - Dry cough
- Sore throat                        - Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches                   
- Gastro-intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting,
  and diarrhea are much more common among children
  than adults.

Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

How Flu Spreads

The flu spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7days after getting sick. That means that you can give someone the flu before you know you're sick as well as while you are sick.