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The viruses in the flu shot are inactivated, which means that someone receiving the vaccine cannot get influenza from the flu shot.

In the majority of cases flu is not serious -

his is more likely if you are elderly or have some other longstanding illness that can undermine your immune system. Your risk of experiencing severe flu complications is higher

As flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't do any good, unless the flu has led to another illness.

Some painkillers, such as aspirin, should not be given to children under 12 (Department of Health, United Kingdom). If you have flu you should: stay at home try to avoid contact with other people keep warm and rest make sure you consume plenty of liquids don't consume alcohol if you are a smoker stop smoking or cut your consumption down as much as you can try to get some food down (eat what you can) if you live alone, tell a relative, friend or neighbor that you have flu. Make sure someone can check in on you and do your shopping

In the United States approximately 5% to 20% of the population gets flu,

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in annual influenza epidemics 5% to 15% of the world's population become ill with upper respiratory tract infections.

Health experts and government agencies throughout the world say that the single best way to protect yourself from catching flu is to get vaccination every year.

If you are exposed to or caring for someone with the flu, talk to your doctor about preventive antiviral medications.

Everyone 6 months of age or older should get the flu vaccine as soon as it is available in your area.

There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

ry to avoid close contact with sick people.

Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

If you are healthy but exposed to a person with the flu, antiviral drugs can prevent you from getting sick. 

Influenza virus is very contagious.

Epidemics peak during the winter months

Most influenza cases occur during epidemics.

With influenza, the virus usually has mutated (changed) somewhat since the first infection.

The most common types of influenza virus are A and B. Influenza A is the one usually responsible for the annual epidemics.

Most people get multiple flu infections during their lives.

With many other types of infections, having the disease once protects against a second infection.

That is because the body's immune system remembers the returning virus. It attacks it immediately, and rapidly eliminates it.

A particularly widespread and severe epidemic is called a pandemic.

Flu can cause a variety of symptoms. They can be mild or severe. Symptoms and severity depend on the type of virus, your age and overall health.

Chills Moderate to high fever (101 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit) Sore throat Runny nose Muscle aches Headaches Fatigue Cough Diarrhea Dizziness

Vaccination — Vaccination can reduce your chances of getting the flu and transmitting it to others. Vaccination each year is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Good hygiene — The virus usually is passed through the air, by coughing. It also is passed by direct contact, such as shaking hands or kissing.

Antiviral drugs — Zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can substantially reduce your chance of getting the flu if they are taken just before an expected outbreak.

contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year

virus types A, B, and C.

ncluding ducks, chickens, pigs, and horses. Influenza B viruses circulate widely only among humans.

spirin should never be used to treat flu-like symptoms in children.

coughing or sneezing by people infected with influenza.

spread mainly from person to person

by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their mouth or nose.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults).

here are some actions you can take at home, such as getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of liquids, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, and taking medication to relieve the symptoms of flu.

nclude bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

may be prescribed antiviral medications

your health care provider may decide that you should be tested for the flu. Usually, this will involve a nasal or throat culture and the test can be run in the office.

While these tests are useful, they are not definitive when making a flu diagnosis because false negatives are fairly common

If you believe you might have the flu, try to see your health care provider within the first 48 hours of the onset of your symptoms.

And if you need treatment with antiviral medications, they are more likely to be effective

The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth. 

A person who has the flu can spread viruses - that means they are contagious. Adults may be contagious from 1 day before feeling sick to up to 7 days after getting sick.

Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days. 

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. 

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then put your used tissue in a wastebasket.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 

If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your  hands.  Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.  Clean your hands   Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.  Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.  Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your bag and car, when soap and water is not available.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.  Stay home when you are sick  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.   Practice healthy habits  Get regular exercise, enough rest, and eat healthy balanced meals.  Other habits for good health  3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir) can be used to prevent influenza. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor must be consulted before using them.  More Information  Smoking and Influenza  - Some studies show that smokers are more likely to get the flu, and there is a higher mortality rate from the flu among smokers than among nonsmokers.  Protecting Against the Flu: Advice for Caregivers of Children Less Than 6 Months Old - Because infants cannot get vaccine or antiviral drugs but are at higher risk for serious flu complications, protecting them from flu is especially important.  Cover your Cough - Flyers available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Chinese, Hmong, and Khmer