More About Flu
Many people confuse influenza (commonly known as the flu) with
a cold or 24-hour virus. Flu is a serious illness that causes high
fever, headaches, body pains, extreme fatigue, sore throat, cough, and other
symptoms leaving a person miserable and exhausted.
People who contract flu can be sick in bed for as long as a week or more. Some cases of flu are mild, but people often suffer complications or have a severe case. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 36,000 Americans die each year from flu or its complications. More than 200,000 are hospitalized.
The best protection from flu is an annual flu shot. Find out who should and should not get a flu shot.
Flu season generally peaks from late December through March. But flu can occur other times during the year. Check out this interactive map for the latest information on flu outbreaks in our area.
