It spreads when influenza viruses pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Sore Throat Muscle Aches Influenza can make people of any age ill. Although most people are ill for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Thousands of people die each year from influenza-related illnesses.
Most deaths caused by influenza are in elderly people.
The viruses that cause influenza change often. Each year a new influenza vaccine is made using viruses that are thought to be most likely to come to the United States, or ones very similiar to them. Residents of long term care facilities housing persons of any age with chronic medical conditions. AND in the past year had to see a doctor regularly or be admitted to a hospital. Children and teenagers 6 months to 18 years of age on long term aspirin treatment, who, if they catch influenza, could develop Reye's syndrome which causes coma, liver damage, and death.