Flu and Children
Parents help children fight flu Each year, flu places a large burden on the health and well-being of children and their families. Annual flu vaccination offers the…
People at Increased Risk for Flu Complications
People at increased risk Adults 65 years and older Children younger than 2 years oldA People with asthma People with chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive…
How Flu Spreads
Why it spreads People with flu can spread it to others. Most experts think that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough,…
Seasonal Flu and Staph Infection
Background Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as “staph,” are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Staph bacteria frequently cause…
Signs and Symptoms of Flu
Symptoms Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel…
Flu Season
Flu season in the United States In the United States, flu season usually occurs in the fall and winter. While influenza viruses spread year-round, most of the…
Types of Influenza Viruses
Influenza virus basics Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics (i.e., global epidemics of flu disease). A pandemic can occur when…
Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19
How flu and COVID-19 are different Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection…
Cold Versus Flu
Differences between cold and flu Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by…
About Influenza
Understanding Influenza Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect tissues in the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild…