What is influenza?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Sudden fever, widespread aches, marked fatigue and cough are common. Colds are different, and other viruses can resemble flu. Some people face greater risks of severe illness and complications.

Transmission and symptoms

1. Spread Respiratory particles and close contact contribute. Poorly ventilated indoor spaces can increase risk. Hand hygiene matters without preventing all airborne spread; ventilation and reducing contact while ill also help. 2. Patterns Headache, sore throat and dry cough can occur. Absence of fever does not exclude influenza. Symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish every respiratory virus; tests or examination may be needed. 3. Higher-risk groups Older age, pregnancy, young children and certain chronic conditions influence severity. Higher-risk people should seek early advice with new symptoms. Initially mild illness does not guarantee continued mildness.

Care, prevention and warning signs

4. Support Rest and appropriate fluids can help. Symptom medicines depend on age and conditions; combining products with the same ingredient can be dangerous. Children should not take aspirin unless prescribed. 5. Treatment and vaccination Antibiotics do not treat influenza viruses. Clinicians may consider early antivirals for some patients. Follow national and risk-based vaccination advice. Vaccination may reduce severe illness even without preventing every infection. 6. Urgent signs Breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, dehydration or deterioration after improvement need assessment. Difficult breathing and difficulty waking a child are emergencies, not ordinary flu tiredness.