Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness. Although nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can sometimes accompany influenza infection, especially in children, these symptoms are rarely the primary symptoms. In an average year, influenza is associated with more than 20,000 deaths nationwide and more than 100,000 hospitalizations. As surely as spring follows winter, hurricane season is followed by flu season. But influenza, real influenza, can be life threatening to the elderly and those with chronic health problems.
Flu is predictable.
It tends to gradually increase in the United States in late fall and early winter, reaching a peak in January and February. In Florida, the peak of flu season coincides with the peak of tourist season often reaching epidemic proportion. This is not surprising, as travelers carry the virus throughout the country. We know when it is likely, and can take precautions to avoid the spread of the virus, minimize it's effect, or effectively treat the disease. Experts have some additional concerns about influenza.