More About Flu
Many people confuse influenza (commonly known as the flu) with a cold or a 24-hour virus. Flu is a serious illness that causes high fever, headaches, body pains, extreme fatigue, sore throat, cough and other symptoms leaving a person feeling miserable and exhausted.
People who contract flu can be sick in bed for as long as a week or more. Some cases of flu are mild, but people often suffer complications or have a severe case. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 36,000 Americans die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year due to complications from the flu.
The best protection from flu? An annual flu shot. Find out who should and should not get a flu shot.
Flu season generally peaks from late December through March. But flu can occur other times during the year. Check out this interactive map for the latest information on flu outbreaks in our area.
