Influenza

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The first and most important step in preventing influenza is to get a vaccine each year.

People who have influenza often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: 

• Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea

Some people will develop complications, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death:

• Sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, myositis, rhabdomyolysis, multi-organ failure, sepsis

• Children younger than five years (especially younger than 2 years old)
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• People with a BMI of 40kg/m2 or higher
• People 65 years and older
• Those who are pregnant

• The first and most important step in preventing influenza is to get a vaccine each year. 
• Influenza vaccine has been shown to reduce influenza-related illnesses and the risk of serious influenza complications that can result in hospitalization or even death.