Various subtypes of the virus exist. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, muscle ache, sweating, chills, vomiting, nausea, and fatigue.
Infection generally lasts for seven to ten days.
Treatment for influenza is generally only symptomatic, since antibiotics are ineffective in the treatment of viral disease. Rest, pain medicine, and warm drinks help relieve much of the discomfort associated with the flu. The only way to completely avoid flu infection is by avoiding all individuals who might be infected. Since this is virtually impossible, keeping the body healthy and well prepared to fight influenza is the best approach. Each year, health officials try to determine which subtypes of influenza are likely to occur, and develop a vaccine to try and counteract this.