Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious virus that affects people around the world.
Medically reviewed by Dr Rehaam Ali Khan 



 Symptoms of the flu can range from mild to severe and typically include fever, chills, coughing, body aches, and fatigue. Though the flu may seem like a minor illness, it can be quite serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 49,000 Americans die each year due to complications related to influenza.

It's important for everyone 6 months or older to get a yearly flu shot in order to protect against infection and serious complications. People with high risk of developing serious illnesses due to influenza are especially encouraged to get vaccinated annually. These high risk individuals include young children, pregnant women, elderly people over 65 years old, and those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma.

There are also other ways to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading influenza: Wash your hands frequently; avoid close contact with sick people; stay home when you're feeling sick; cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze; clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched; practice good health habits like getting plenty of rest and eating healthy foods; and if you do contract the virus – call your doctor promptly for further guidance.

By taking the proper precautions, we can help reduce our risk of contracting influenza while helping keep our families safe.