Influenza (flu) 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.
Transmission
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
Symptoms
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Some infected people will show no symptoms. You should still practice good prevention habits daily to avoid the spread of germs.
Treatment
It is very difficult to distinguish flu from other viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses based on symptoms alone. There are tests available to diagnose flu as well as flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness.
Your healthcare provider can swab the inside of your nose and have it sent to a lab for testing.
Call your doctor first and ask for any specific instructions or treatment that may be appropriate for you.
Prevention
The best protection against the flu virus is the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone except children younger than 6 months of age. The vaccine is available at DCHHS clinics:
Children - the flu vaccine is available for children at DCHHS clinics
Adults - the flu vaccine is only available at the main clinic located at:
Downloadable Information
| File Description | File |
| Prevention for General Public - English |  |
| Prevention for General Public - Español | |
| Prevention for General Public - English | |
| Prevention for General Public - Español | |
| Prevention for Older Adults - English | |
| Prevention Through Proper Hand Washing - English | |
| Prevention Through Proper Hand Washing - Español | |
| Prevention for Children - English | |
| Prevention for Children - Español | |
| Prevention for Parents - English | |
| Prevention for Parents - Español | |
| Prevention for Schools - English | |
| Prevention for Schools - Español | |
More Information
For Healthcare Providers
Download Information on how to submit specimens for influenza testing is currently being updated. A specimen submission form will be required.
Download the CDC clinical decision algorithm to assist with testing, treatment and prophylaxis of patients with symptoms of influenza.
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