Flu is most serious for the elderly, people with chronic underlying illnesses such as cancer, emphysema or diabetes, or those with weak immune systems. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, stuffy head, muscle aches, general weakness, and congestion in the nose, throat, and lungs. Intestinal symptoms are uncommon. Fevers may rise as high as 104 degrees, but usually subside in two or three days. Flu victims also may be exhausted for days after other symptoms go away.
Permanent complications are rare, but influenza can be fatal for some people.
Usually one to five days after exposure. Influenza is highly contagious and is transmitted through droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Washing hands may help prevent illness because flu can be transmitted by direct hand to hand contact or by touching an object after an infected person has touched it with contaminated hands. The contagious period varies, but normally begins the day before symptoms appear and lasts for a week. Flu occurs most often in the winter.