Typical influenza illness includes fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. Typical recovery occurs within one to two weeks.
Some people develop more serious medical complications, such as pneumonia.
In an average year, influenza is associated with more than 20,000 deaths nationwide and more than 100,000 hospitalizations. The elderly and people with chronic health problems are much more likely to develop serious complications after a bout of the flu than are younger, healthier people. Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house residents of any age with chronic medical conditions. Anyone 6 months and older who has chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including asthma. Anyone age 6 months to 18 who receives long-term aspirin therapy.