What is influenza?
Influenza (the flu) is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. It is much more serious than a common cold and will leave you ill for up to 10 days. Symptoms of the flu start suddenly and include: a high fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, cough, sore throat, or a runny nose. Influenza can be a mild or severe illness depending on the type of influenza virus causing it, and the age and general health of the person affected. It may take up to three days to show symptoms when you catch the flu. Anyone can get influenza — being fit, active and healthy does not protect you from getting this virus. Anyone can die from influenza — it kills at least 100 New Zealanders every year, including some young, fit people.
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, lead to death. Every year in the United States, an average of five to 20 percent of the population gets the flu. Some influenza viruses can also infect birds, pigs, horses, seals, whales and other animals.
