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Flu, also called influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. The flu is caused by a virus. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's different from the stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Most people with the flu get better on their own.
But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. Some groups of people are at a higher than average risk of having flu complications, including:...
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At first, the flu may seem like a cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Colds usually start slowly. But the flu tends to come on quickly. And while a cold can be miserable, you usually feel much worse with the flu.
Common symptoms of the flu often — but not always — include a fever as well as aching muscles, chills and sweats.
Other symptoms include:
Influenza is caused by viruses. These viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly. Or you can pick up the germs from touching an object, such as a computer keyboard, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
People with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about 5 to 7 days after they start. Children and people with weakened immune systems may ...
Usually, you'll need nothing more than rest and plenty of fluids to treat the flu. But if you have a severe infection or are at higher risk of complications, your healthcare professional may prescribe an antiviral medicine to treat the flu.
These medicines can include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), baloxavir (Xofluza) and zanamivir (Relenza).
Oseltamivir and baloxavir are taken by mouth. Zanamivir is inhaled using a device similar to an asthma inhaler. Zanamivir shouldn't be used by anyone with certain chronic respirat...
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months or older. The flu vaccine can lower your risk of getting the flu. The flu vaccine lowers your risk of having serious illness from the flu and needing to stay in the hospital due to flu. The flu vaccine also lowers your risk of dying of flu.
Flu vaccination is especially important because the flu and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cause similar symptoms. Both COVID-19 and the flu may be spreading at the same time...
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
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