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Alternative Names
Influenza A; Influenza B
Causes
Influenza A usually arrives between early winter and early spring. Influenza B can appear at any time of the year. H1N1, or swine flu, is another type of influenza.

Most people catch the flu when they breathe in tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. It is also spread when you touch a something with the virus onit, then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Symptoms appear 1 - 7 days later (usually within 2 - 3 days). The flu spreads easily. It often strikes a community all at once. Students or workers become sick within 2 or 3 weeks of the flu's arrival in a school or workplace.
Sometimes people confuse colds and flu. They do share some of the same symptoms. Most people get a cold several times each year.But they usually get the flu once every few years.
Click here to see a video about the difference between a cold and the flu.
People call a viral illness that makes them throw up or have diarrhea "stomach flu." This is incorrect. The flu does not cause the stomach symptoms. The flu mostly causes symptoms in the nose, throat, and lungs.
Symptoms
The flu usually begins quickly. The first symptomsare a fever between 102 and 106 °F. (An adult usually has a lower fever than a child.)
Other common symptoms include:
Body aches
Chills
Dizziness
Flushed face
Headache
Lack of energy
Nausea and vomiting
Between day 2 and day 4 of the illness, the fever and "whole body" symptoms begin to fade.
Then breathing symptoms begin to increase. The symptom is usually not a dry cough. Most peoplealso develop a sore throat and headache. Runny nose and sneezing are common. It is a clear, watery nasal discharge.
These symptoms (except the cough) usually go away in 4 - 7 days. Sometimes, the fever returns. The cough and feeling tired may last for weeks.
Some people may not feel like eating.
The flu can make asthma, breathing problems, and other long-term illnesses worse.
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Most people of do not need to see a doctor or nurse when they have flu symptoms. This is because most people are not at risk for a severe case.
People who become very sick with the flu may want to see a health care provider. People who are at high risk for flu complications may also want to see a doctor if they get the flu.
When many people in an area have flu, a doctor can make adiagnosis after hearing the symptoms. No further testing is needed.
There is a test to detect the flu. It is done by swabbing the nose and throat. The results of this test can be available rapidly. Sometimes, this test can help your health care provider decide the best treatment.
In-Depth Diagnosis »
Treatment »
HOW DO I TREAT MY SYMPTOMS?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil,Motrin) help lower fever. Sometimes doctors suggest you use both types of medicine. Do NOT use aspirin.
A fever does not need to come all the way down to normal. Most people will feel better when their temperature drops by even 1 degree.
Over-the-counter cold medicines may make some of your symptoms better. Cough drops will help with your sore throat.
Click here to see a video about tips on buyingcold and flu medicines.
You also need a lot of rest. Drink plenty of liquids. Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
WHAT ABOUT ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS?
Most people with milder symptoms feel better in 3 - 4 days. They do not need to see a doctor or take antiviral medications.
Doctors may give antiviral drugs to people who get very sick. People who are at high risk for problems from the flu may need thesemedicines.
These medicines may shorten the time you have symptoms by about 1 day. They work better if you start taking them within 2 days of your first symptoms.
Children at risk of a severe case of the flu may also need these medicines.
In-Depth Treatment »
Outlook (Prognosis)
Millions of people in the United States get the flu each year. Most get better within a week or two.
But thousands...