Before It Bites You Chills, fever, body aches, coughing, sneezing . . . Each year, millions of unnecessary cases of the flu are reported by unvaccinated adults. If you get the flu you may find it difficult to handle your job duties, childcare, household activities, and caring for those who depend on you. Worse yet, you could spread the flu to family members and friends before you even know you have it. The flu is typically a moderately severe illness for healthy children and adults.
Most people are back on their feet within a week.
For people who are not healthy to begin with, influenza can be very severe and even fatal. In addition, complications can occur. Most of these complications are bacterial infections because the body can be so weakened by influenza that its defenses against bacteria are low. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common complication of influenza. But the sinuses and inner ears may also become inflamed and painful.