Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection caused by influenza viruses. It primarily affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with close contact being a major route of transmission.
Flu symptoms include high fever, body aches, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and runny nose. These symptoms can overlap with those of the common cold and COVID-19.
While many people recover within a few days, the flu can be severe and lead to complications, particularly in high-risk groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, and heart or kidney diseases.
Treatment typically focuses on symptom relief, with antiviral medications prescribed for high-risk individuals in some cases.
An annual flu vaccine is the most effective form of prevention, reducing the likelihood of contracting the flu, the severity of symptoms, and the risk of complications, especially for vulnerable populations.
