Women's Health FLU Influenza, or flu, is a viral illness that commonly occurs in the winter and affects many people at once. Symptoms are often similar to a cold, but they are usually more severe and involve more areas of the body. Although a person with the flu feels very sick, the illness seldom leads to more serious complications. It is usually dangerous only for infants, older adults, and people with chronic diseases.
Influenza causes many deaths each year.
Build resistance to infection with a nutritional diet, plenty of rest, and regular exercise. Avoid exposure to the flu by washing your hands often and keeping them away from your nose, eyes, and mouth. It is common for adults with the flu to have high fevers up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 days. If it is the flu season and many people in your community have similar symptoms, it is likely that you have the flu rather than a bacterial infection. Copyright 1999, 2000.