Most people who have the flu get better on their own. But sometimes this illness and its complications can be fatal. To protect against seasonal influenza, you can get the annual flu vaccine. Although the vaccine is not 100% effective, it reduces the chances of serious complications from the infection. This is important for people at high risk of flu complications.
In addition to the flu vaccine, you can take other steps to prevent flu infection. You can clean and disinfect surfaces, wash your hands, and keep the air around you moving.
Symptoms
The viruses that cause influenza spread at high levels during certain times of the year in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. These are called flu seasons. In North America, flu season typically occurs between October and May.
Flu symptoms, such as a sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose, are common. You may also experience these symptoms with other illnesses, such as a cold. But colds usually start slowly, and the flu usually comes on quickly, two or three days after coming into contact with the virus. And while a cold can be annoying, you usually feel much worse with the flu.
Other common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Feel very tired
- Sweating and chills
In children, these symptoms may manifest more generally as restlessness or irritability. Children are also more likely than adults to experience earache, upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea with the flu.
