Influenza Information
Flu
The flu (also called influenza) is a viral infection. It affects the respiratory system. It can cause mild-to-severe illness, and sometimes it can lead to death. Find out more below:
Flu Symptoms
The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. According to the CDC, people who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
* It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Influenza in Children
Children under five years old, and especially under two, are at increased risk for flu complications. If your child is in these high-risk groups and has flu symptoms, call your pediatrician. Seek emergency care immediately if your child:
- Has blue or purplish skin color
- Is so irritable that they don't want to be held
- Cries without tears (in infants)
- Has a fever with a rash
- Has trouble waking up
- Has trouble breathing
- Has stomach or chest pain or pressure
- Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness or not passing urine
- Has confusion
- Can't stop vomiting or can't drink enough fluids
Flu Complications
Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may experience worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.
What should I do if I think I have the flu?
What puts me or my child at high risk?
- I didn't get a flu shot
- I'm 65 or older
- I'm younger than 5
- I have asthma
- I have cancer
- I have diabetes
- I have a neurological condition
- I'm pregnant
- I have heart disease
- I have kidney problems
- I have liver problems
- I have trouble fighting infections
- I have chronic lung disease
Why Should I Get a Flu Shot?
Do I or my child have the flu?
No
Possibly
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Mild body aches
- Cough
- Fever less than 102°
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Mild body aches
- Cough
- Fever less than 102°
Probably
- Diarrhea/vomiting
- Fever more than 102°
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness/confusion
- Severe body aches
- Severe headache
- Symptoms improve, but return and worsen
- Diarrhea/vomiting
- Fever with rash
- Fast/difficult breathing
- Unable to eat
- No tears when crying
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Excessively irritable, doesn't want to be held
- Bluish skin color
- Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
- Symptoms improve, but return and worsen
What should I do for me or my child?
Get a flu shot (vaccine)
Check in with your doctor
Go to the emergency room
Flu Vaccine Myths That Can Make You Sick
It’s that time of the year again: flu shot time. If you’re like most people, getting a shot is about as exciting as getting a root canal. But before you skip getting vaccinated, read these common myths that can make you sick.