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Flu Facts

Flu Facts

 

What is seasonal flu?

Influenza, commonly shortened to “flu,” is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract.

Symptoms of flu are similar to a cold except flu symptoms are much worse with fatigue, fever, headache, and respiratory congestion. Flu symptoms come on so abruptly that you may know the exact time you first came down with flu. 

How serious is the flu?  Click here for the key facts.

As the 2010-2011 flu season goes into full swing, what can we expect?  Click here for answers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to the Most Frequenlty Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about flu season.

 

Type in your Zip Code in the “Flu Vaccine Finder” at the right to find the closest location where you can get the seasonal flu shot!

 

 

This year, the CDC advises just about everyone to get the vaccine. That raises more questions.   Flu expert William Atkinson, M.D., MPH, of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases gave some answers to WebM.D. Click here for those FAQ’s about the flu vaccine.

Here’s what you should know about flu season if you’re 65 or over.

The dangers of seasonal flu to children:  a video sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

More from the CDC on getting the flu vaccine. 

Page last updated on Oct. 18, 2010