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Influenza is commonly known as the "flu". It is a virus that targets the respiratory system. It is a highly contagious viral infection. There are different types of Influenza. There is Influenza A, B, and C.
Type A can infect animals and humans, although it is more common for humans to suffer the symptoms associated with this flu. Wild birds are the host for this virus.
Type B is only found in humans.
Type C is also all the causes of the flu, but are much less severe.

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Complications may occur in some people who are infected with the flu. Pneumonia is the most common complication. Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that some people have died from before. It can affect young children, people over 65, and also people in care facilities.

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- Fever
- Feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose/stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Chest discomfort
- Swollen lymph nodes
*Some people experience diarrhea and vomiting, but that's more common in children than adults.

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1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. If you are sick, stay home. This will help prevent spreading the illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if coughing or sneezing.
4. Clean your hands! Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs.
6. Practice other good health habits. For example, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school.
7. Get plenty of sleep, manage your stress, stay physically active, and lastly drink plenty of fluids.

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Adults and Children can get the flu. The flu is spread from person to person. Most experts believe that the flu is spread by droplets when people sneeze, cough, or even talk. These droplets can be in the mouth or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs.

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People who are at a higher risk of getting Influenza are:
- Young children under 5
- Adults older than 65
- Residents in a nursing home or other care facility
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who are very obese and have a BMI of 40 or higher (BMI= body mass index)
- People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

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Most people infected without requiring medical treatment will recover within a week or two. If seen by a doctor, he or she may administer antiviral drugs including flumadine or tamiflu. The flu shot is also recommend every year. The shot is made from dead viruses and cannot "give" you the flu, but the vaccine can trigger an immune response from your body. So, you may have a few mild symptoms like achy muscles or a low grade fever.
Antibiotics will not help treat the flu. They only kill bacteria.
Over the counter pain killers as in Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, and Aspirin are taken to reduce the fevers and help relieve the aches and pains.