Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. The flu season in Colorado typically starts in November and runs through March. Influenza is primarily a respiratory disease, but it also affects other parts of the body. Flu may also be accompanied by sore throat, nausea and burning eyes. It generally lasts 5 to 7 days.
Most complications are secondary bacterial infections.
The most common and serious complication of influenza is bacterial pneumonia. Older persons are more susceptible to this disease. The influenza virus is easily spread through the air. When someone who has the flu sneezes, coughs or even talks, the virus is expelled into the air and may be inhaled by somebody close by. Anyone can get influenza.