It ranks as one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Influenza is airborne and easily spread from person to person, primarily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is also transmitted by direct hand contact. The typical influenza illness brings an abrupt onset of high fever, chills, a dry cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat and muscle and joint pain. Unlike other common respiratory infections, influenza can cause extreme fatigue that lasts several days to several weeks.
Influenza can lead to hospitalization or even death, especially among the elderly.
500,000 people end up in hospital emergency rooms each year from the flu or flu complications. 5,000 Americans die annually from flu-related illness. Even without complications, the flu can make you miserable and mean many days away from work or other responsibilities. You cannot get influenza from the vaccine. The flu shot is very safe and generally has few side effects.