Flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The viral disease spreads around the United States each year, usually from October through May. The flu is spread mainly through close contact, coughing, and sneezing.

Flu symptoms may include:

     – fever/chills
     – sore throat
     – muscle aches
     – fatigue
     – cough
     – headache
     – runny or stuffy nose

Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some individuals. Infants, young children, pregnant mothers, individuals 65 years old or older, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at the highest risk. Flu can lead to blood infections and pneumonia. It can also cause seizures and diarrhea in children. Each year thousands of individuals die from the flu within the United States and many more are hospitalized.