The Flu is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus; a microorganism in the Orthomyxoviridae family, including Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B, Influenzavirus C, Isavirus and Thogotovirus genera.http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/adult-flu-symptoms

The flu spreads seasonally, and can be transmitted from one infected individual to another through aerosol emissions from the nose and mouth, from sneezes and coughs. When these droplets are inhaled, or get onto the hand someone uses to touch their nose or mouth, an individual can fall ill. The flu can also be transmitted by direct contact with bodily fluids, like mucus and saliva, or by contact with a surface where the virus is present, like a door handle.http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/flu/flu.html#

The flu generally does not present any dangers or complications, and lasts between 1-2 weeks, but can be very serious for some groups, including: children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 50 years old, an individuals with underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, kidney and immune disorders.http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/flu/flu.html# Health care professionals recommend that anyone who falls within these groups receive a flu vaccine.

Flu vaccines are usually given in the fall months before the flu season, which typically spans between November and April, begins.http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/flu/flu.html# The flu vaccine is administered one of two ways, either through a shot or a nasal mist that is sprayed into the nose. This vaccine will work to protect individuals from falling ill with the flu, or minimize the symptoms experienced if they do catch the virus. A new flu vaccine needs to be administered yearly, as the flu virus changes with each new season.http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/adult-flu-symptoms

Symptoms of the flu tend to come on suddenly, unlike those of the common cold, and include:

• Fever
• Aches and pains in the muscles and around the joints
• Weakness
• Headache
• Dry Cough
• Sore Throat
• Watery Eyes
• Flushed Skinhttp://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/adult-flu-symptoms

The information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. Any individual experiencing symptoms of the flu should seek medical attention to receive the proper care and rule out any serious conditions. Do not attempt to medicate or treat oneself without the direction of a physician.