It affects people of all ages. The virus spreads through the air and is as contagious as the common cold. It may be spread by someone who already has the flu, as well as by people who have been exposed but haven t developed symptoms yet. This means you may be exposed and not even know it. The flu is also much more serious than a cold.
Symptoms can be severe.
You might be knocked out of commission for a week, with some symptoms lingering for as much as a month. For certain people, consequences may even be fatal. This is especially true for those older than 65, anyone with a chronic medical condition living in a nursing home, or anyone with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorder, blood disorder or an impaired immune system. As a result of the flu, you could miss days from work or other important commitments. The flu could force you to miss a significant event, such as a reunion or wedding, a holiday get-together, or a winter vacation.