FACES OF INFLUENZA (R) - American Lung Association's Influenza Prevention Program in collaboration with sanofi pasteur

Anyone Can Get Influenza

On average, 1 out of 5 Americans suffer from influenza each year.^7,8 Approximately 226,000 people in the US are hospitalized, and an average of 36,000 die from influenza and its complications every year.

Anyone can catch the flu. Some influenza infections will cause lost work and school days, but for those at highest risk of suffering from complications, the results can be more severe. The best way to help prevent influenza is with an annual influenza vaccination.¹

Combined with pneumonia, influenza is the eighth leading cause of death in the US.⁹

Influenza is not the common cold. It’s serious.

Learn common influenza myths and facts, or catch up on the latest influenza information from major news sources and medical sites.

Influenza Symptoms

Influenza symptoms 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.⁸

Complications of Influenza

Complications of influenza can include viral or bacterial pneumonia and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Children may experience sinus problems and ear infections.⁸

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 contaminated with the influenza virus and then touching their mouths or noses.⁸