Influenza (the flu)

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What it is (background)

Influenza — commonly called “the flu” — is an acute viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused mainly by influenza A and B viruses. It spreads easily from person to person and can cause anything from a mild illness to severe disease and death, especially during seasonal epidemics or pandemics. PMC+1

Symptoms

Typical flu symptoms appear suddenly and often include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat

  • Runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache

  • Fatigue (tiredness) and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children).
    Symptoms usually last about 5–7 days in healthy adults, though cough and fatigue can linger longer. If you’re in a high-risk group (older adults, very young children, pregnant people, or those with chronic medical conditions), symptoms can progress to severe complications like pneumonia. Mayo Clinic+1

Causes & how it spreads

Influenza viruses mutate frequently, which is why new strains appear and seasonal vaccines are updated. The virus spreads mainly by respiratory droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, talk, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Close-contact settings (schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities) increase transmission. PMC+1

Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis: Doctors diagnose flu based on symptoms and can confirm it with laboratory tests (rapid antigen tests, PCR) when needed — especially for hospitalized or high-risk patients. Mayo Clinic

Treatment:

  • Most healthy people recover with supportive self-care: rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies for fever and aches. Mayo Clinic

  • Antiviral medications (neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir/zanamivir and other newer agents) can shorten illness and reduce complications if started early (ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset) and are recommended for people at higher risk of complications or with severe illness. Cochrane reviews find neuraminidase inhibitors provide modest benefits (reduced symptom duration and some prevention benefit), while noting possible side effects and varying strength of evidence across outcomes. Discuss antiviral options with a healthcare provider. Cochrane Library+1

Prevention

  • Annual vaccination is the single best way to reduce the risk of flu and its complications; vaccines are updated seasonally to match circulating strains. Vaccination also reduces hospitalizations and severe outcomes in groups at risk. PubMed+1

  • Everyday actions: good hand hygiene, covering coughs/sneezes, staying home when sick, and improving indoor ventilation lower spread. In healthcare or outbreak settings, additional measures (masks, antiviral prophylaxis for exposed high-risk persons) may be recommended. MedlinePlus+1

Fast facts

  • Influenza A and B cause seasonal epidemics; influenza A is also responsible for most pandemics. PMC+1

  • Each year influenza affects a significant fraction of the global population and causes substantial hospitalizations and deaths — numbers vary by season and geographic region. PubMed

  • Vaccination effectiveness varies by season (depends on match between vaccine and circulating strains and host factors), but even when imperfect it reduces severity. PubMed

When to see a doctor / seek emergency care

Seek medical attention promptly if you or someone you care for has severe or worsening symptoms (difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration), or if a high-risk person develops flu symptoms. Early assessment can guide antiviral treatment decisions.



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