Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. There are multiple causes such as the seasonal flu or avian or swine flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness.
Common Flu Symptoms:
- Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache and body aches
- Fatigue
- Chills
How flu spreads
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
- Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can. After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay home from work or school and limit travel while ill.
Contact your health care provider if you think you have the flu. It is impossible to tell for sure if you have the flu based on symptoms alone. Your health care provider can perform tests to see if you have the flu and if you are in the first few days of your illness.
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