The flu virus spreads when someone with influenza coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also catch influenza by touching a surface or object that the virus lands on and then touching your face.
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone with ages over 6 months must get a flu vaccine every season. The vaccine is particularly important to people at risk for complications. They include adults aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, and those with asthma and diabetes.
To prevent the spread of influenza, you should wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home when you are sick, and avoid touching your face.
