NFID Infectious Diseases Immunization COVID-19 Antibiotic Resistance About Us Donate Search Home Infectious Diseases Flu (Influenza) Flu (Influenza) Influenza (flu) is a contagious viral infection that can cause mild to severe symptoms and life-threatening complications, including death, even in healthy children and adults. Influenza viruses spread mainly from one individual to another through coughing or sneezing. Less often, they can also spread through touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose. Individuals can pass flu on to others even before their own symptoms start and for a week or more after symptoms begin. Burden While the numbers vary, in the US, millions of individuals get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from flu and related complications each year. Flu also affects employers and businesses and costs an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs in the US annually. During the 2019-2020 flu season, flu vaccination prevented approximately 7.5 million flu illnesses, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths. Symptoms Flu is not just a common cold. It usually comes on suddenly, and people with flu may have some or all of the following symptoms (think F.A.C.T.S.): Fever Aches (muscle, body, and headaches) Chills Tiredness (fatigue) Sudden onset Cough, runny or stuffy nose, and/or sore throat Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) Prevention The best way to prevent flu is to receive an influenza vaccination every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get vaccinated annually. Flu vaccination is especially important this year to help protect individuals and prevent additional strain on an already overburdened US healthcare system. The best time to get vaccinated is in the early fall, before influenza viruses begin spreading in your community. However, vaccination throughout the flu season is still beneficial. Flu vaccines are updated annually to protect against the influenza viruses research indicates are most likely to circulate during the upcoming season. Flu vaccines can vary in how well they work, but even in cases when flu vaccination does not prevent infection completely, it can reduce the severity and duration of disease and prevent serious complications. For more than 50 years, hundreds of millions of individuals in the US have safely received seasonal flu vaccines. View ACIP Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza during the 2021-2022 Influenza Season Treatment Annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu. Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for annual flu vaccination; however, prescription antiviral medications serve as an additional line of defense. CDC recommends that all individuals who are hospitalized, severely ill, or at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications should be treated with antiviral drugs immediately if flu is suspected. Treatment of flu with antiviral drugs can reduce influenza symptoms, shorten the duration of illness by one to two days, and prevent serious complications, like pneumonia. Antivirals work best when taken within 48 hours of getting sick, but may still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness. Healthcare professionals may treat patients based on their clinical judgment and knowledge about the level of local flu activity. For additional information, see CDC Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians. Updated September 2021 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources Supporting Annual Flu Vaccination for Adults with Chronic Health Conditions Best Way To Help Protect Against Flu & COVID-19 Is To #GetVaccinated Help #TravelingFluBug Spread Awareness, Not Disease Join NFID Leading By Example Initiative Additional Resources Flu and COVID-19 Resources The best way to help protect against flu and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated Myths and Facts About Influenza (Flu) Answers to common myths about influenza and flu vaccines Are You at Risk for Serious Flu-Related Complications? Influenza (flu) is not just a common cold. Anyone can get sick with flu, but certain people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. Influenza (Flu) Treatment Certain antiviral drugs can help reduce symptoms of influenza (flu), shorten the duration of illness, and prevent complications Take 3 Steps to Fight Flu Take these three steps to help protect yourself and others from influenza (flu) Flu Preparedness Guide To help prepare for flu season, download the NFID Flu Preparedness Guide to learn more about best practices for treating and preventing the spread of flu, as well as tips on assembling a flu preparedness kit and emergency contact list Infectious Disease Memes Share these memes on social media to remind friends and family to #GetVaccinated and stay healthy this holiday season! Flu Alert: The Impact of Flu on Adults 65+ 23-second video public service announcement on the burden of influenza (flu) in adults age 65 years and older and the importance of getting vaccinated More Flu Resources Flu resources from A to Z from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and partners Healthcare Professionals and Influenza Vaccination Sharable fact sheet outlining the benefits of influenza immunization for healthcare professionals Myths and Facts About Flu and Children Get the facts about flu and children Freddie the Flu Detective Public service announcement (:30 animated video) on how to detect, prevent, and treat the flu from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases 1 (current) 2 Next Influenza Resources for... Adolescents Adults Adults with Chronic Health Conditions Children Healthcare Professionals Older Adults Pregnancy More on Influenza Blog Posts Publications Real Stories, Real People Understanding Influenza National Survey: Black Adult Perspectives on COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Myth Busters Quiz: Flu Facts and Fiction National Foundation for Infectious Diseases 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 750 Bethesda, MD 20814 301.656.0003 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Privacy Policy Disclaimer This website is designed to provide education to the public and healthcare professionals about the burden, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan. All information on this site is for general purposes only, is based on US recommendations, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Federal EIN: 23-7198530 Connect with NFID Subscribe