People usually get over it in a week or so and don't have any problems. Influenza is a major illness, not just a common cold. Every year many older people and those with other health problems simply do not recover from the flu. Influenza is the fourth leading killer of older people in the U.S. T he flu is not very contagious. If you stay home when you have it you probably won't give it to anyone.
Influenza is highly contagious.
And, you are most likely to give it to others before you know you are sick. T he flu shot does not work so there is no reason to get one. The flu shot is very effective. It does not protect you from colds, but it does protect you from influenza. Y ou can get a bad reaction or even get the flu from the flu shot.