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Center for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC)
Influenza Information Website

Minnesota Department
of Health and Human Services (MDH)
Influenza Information Website

 

Influenza (Flu)
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the influenza virus.  The flu is different from a cold.  Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: Fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, stomach symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and body aches.  In the Northern hemisphere, winter is the time for flu.  In the United States, the flu season can range from November through March, and even past March in some years. 

Protection Against the Flu
The single best way to protect yourself and others against influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year.  About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.  Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses. 

Diagnosing the Flu
It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone.  There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long as you are tested within the first 2-3 days of illness.  If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your health-care provider.  Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children.

What You Should Do If You Get the Flu
Rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco, and take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®) to relieve the fever and muscle aches.  Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like penicillin) don't work to cure it. 

Do Not Give Aspirin To A Child or Teenager Who Has the Flu
Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms - and particularly fever - without first speaking to your doctor.  Giving aspirin to children and teenagers who have influenza can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.  Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and take medicines that contain no aspirin to relieve symptoms.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention