Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (commonly known as flu) is a contagious illness of the respiratory system. Influenza viruses infect the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from one person to another when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. It can also be spread when someone touches a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touches their own mouth, nose or eyes.

There are two main types of flu viruses: Types A and B. These are the viruses that spread often and are responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics each year.

Because the flu is highly contagious, once infected, you may be able to spread it to other people before you know you’re sick. People are most contagious in the first three to four days after they start feeling sick. Healthy adults may be able to infect others up to one day before symptoms develop and for as long as five to seven days after becoming sick.

Young children and people with weakened immune systems might be able to infect others for longer periods of time 

Symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Symptoms from the flu can range from mild to severe. The flu is different from the common cold and usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms can begin anywhere from one to four days after being infected.

Most people who get sick with the flu recover fairly quickly. However, some people may experience additional complications, some of which can be life-threatening.

Sinus and ear infections are moderate complications of the flu. The flu can also make chronic conditions even worse. Pneumonia (infection of the lungs) is a serious complication that can result from the flu, as well as inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle tissues.

Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. This includes those 65 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions, those who are pregnant and children younger than five years of age.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many people get sick with the flu every year?

The CDC estimates that since 2010, except for the 2020-2021 flu season, flu has resulted in between 9.3 million and 41 million illnesses annually in the United States.

However, some people may be asymptomatic, meaning they may not feel sick and may not show any visible signs of having the flu. This can be anywhere from five percent to 20 percent of the population. The number of symptomatic and asymptomatic people varies year to year.

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How do I prevent the seasonal flu?

In Louisiana, seasonal flu typically occurs from October to May, with peak months usually being December through March. However, the flu can still be caught and transmitted all year long.

Everyone should take everyday preventive measures to avoid contracting and spreading the flu. Good hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses.

For further prevention, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the flu vaccine to decide what is right for you. The vaccine can reduce sickness and the risk of serious complications that can result in hospitalization or death.

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Is the flu vaccine safe?

While it’s still possible to get the flu even if you are vaccinated, your risk of hospitalization and serious complications decreases with vaccine protection. By being vaccinated, you can also help slow the spread of the virus and offer more protection to people around you, especially the elderly and immunocompromised.

The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Most people do not experience any side effects from the vaccine, but some people may have mild effects, including:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Mild headache
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Learn more about the flu vaccine from the CDC.