About Influenza and Vaccination

Influenza, also called “the flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting an influenza vaccination each year.¹

Anyone can get influenza. In fact, up to 1 in 5 people in the US get this serious respiratory illness every season.² Some influenza infections will cause lost work and school days, but for those at highest risk for suffering from complications, the results can be more severe.

Influenza is not the common cold. It is serious. Each year, approximately 226,000 people in the US are hospitalized with complications from influenza and an average of 36,000 die from the disease and its complications.¹ Combined with pneumonia, influenza is the nation’s 8th leading cause of death.³

Symptoms

Other common respiratory and stomach infections are often mistakenly referred to as “the flu.” However, symptoms of influenza include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.¹

Complications of Influenza

Complications of influenza can include viral or bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, and diabetes.¹

Children may experience sinus problems and ear infections.

How Influenza Spreads

Influenza viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with influenza viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.¹