Flu-like illnesses had been described by Hypocrites as early as 400 years before the time of Christ. More recently, there have been epidemics of flu occurring approximately every three years, with five major world-wide epidemics in this century.
Influenza can lead to serious illness.
During epidemics, an estimated 10,000 to 40,000 deaths were caused by influenza, most occurring in people over 65. Experts are predicting that this flu season will be severe. The flu is usually spread from an infected person by respiratory secretions. When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, large numbers of the flu virus are expelled into the air. These virus particles are inhaled by others and the virus gains entry in the nose, throat, and lungs.