What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly called "the flu", is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). Unlike the common cold, the FLU can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people of all ages. Nationwide each year, more than 200,000 people (20,000 children) are hospitalized from flu related complications and 36,000 die, including more than 380 children over the past five flu seasons. 

Flu symptoms VS. Common Cold symptoms - and how to quickly distinguish them


Flu Symptoms

The flu is different from a cold. It usually comes on suddenly and may include these “flu-like” symptoms:

  • Fever (usually high)
  • Headache
  • Extreme tiredness

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Dry Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Muscle Aches
  • Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur but are more common in children than adults

Cold Symptoms:

  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny or Stuffy nose
  • All symptoms are usually very mild

Emergency Warning Signs:

In children:

  • High & prolonged fever of 102 degrees or above
  • Fast or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Changes in mental condition, such as not waking up, or interacting, or moodiness such that the child doesn't’t want to be held
  • Seizures
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Worsening underlying medical conditions (i.e. heart or lung disease, diabetes)

    • In adults:

  • High or prolonged fever
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest
  • Near fainting or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

    • If you or your loved ones presents any of these signs, please seek medical attention right away

    KEY VACCINE FACTS

    The single best way to prevent influenza is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

    Types of Vaccines:

    • The “flu shot”: an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. It is approved for people older than 6 months, including healthy people with chronic medical conditions
    • The nasal-spray flu vaccine: a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine”.) It is approved for healthy people 2 – 49 years of age who are not pregnant

    When to Get Vaccinated:

    October or November is the best time, but you can still get vaccinated anytime during Flu season (October - May)

    Who Should Get Vaccinated:

    In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu. However, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends certain people should get vaccinated each year:

    People at high risk for complications from the flu including:

  • Children aged 6 months – 18 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People 50+ years of age
  • Anyone with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities

    • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
  • Healthcare workers

    • Who Should Not Get Vaccinated:

    The following should first consult with a physician before being vaccinated:
  • People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
  • People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
  • People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
  • Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine not approved for this age group)
  • People with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen
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    About the Foundation

    Alana's Flu Foundation was created in memory of Alana Yaksich by her loving family and friends. Follow the link above to learn more about Alana, her family and their story.

    Important Flu Related Links