The flu, also called influenza, is a common sickness that affects your nose, throat, and lungs. Many people get the flu each year, especially during the colder months. This guide will help you understand what the flu is, what symptoms to look for, how it spreads, and how to prevent or treat it.

What Is The Flu?

The flu is an illness caused by a virus that affects your respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. The flu virus changes often, so people need a new flu shot every year to stay protected.

Unlike a regular cold, the flu usually comes on suddenly and can make you feel much worse. It can be serious for some people, especially young children, older adults, and those with health problems like asthma or diabetes.

Symptoms of The Flu

Flu symptoms can be different for everyone, but most people will feel:

Fever: Often high and lasting several days.
Chills and Sweats: You may feel very cold and then very hot.
Muscle Aches: Your muscles might feel sore all over your body.
Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired, even without doing much.
Cough: Usually dry and does not go away quickly.
Sore Throat: Your throat may feel scratchy or hurt.
Headache: You might have a headache along with other symptoms.
Runny or Stuffy Nose: Your nose may feel clogged or keep running.

Not everyone will have all these symptoms. Some people, especially children, may also feel sick to their stomach, vomit, or have diarrhea.

How Does The Flu Spread?

The flu spreads very easily from person to person. The virus spreads in droplets when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can anchor in the mouth or nose of others nearby. You can also catch the flu by touching a surface with the flu virus on it and then touching your face.

People with the flu are usually contagious a day before they start feeling sick and can keep spreading the flu for up to a week after symptoms start.

How To Prevent The Flu

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year. The flu shot helps your body fight the virus if you come in contact with it. The flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of getting very sick, like young kids, older adults, and people with health conditions. Here are some other ways to help avoid the flu:

Wash Your Hands Often: Use soap and water, especially after being in public places.
Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from people who are sick, and if you’re sick, keep your distance to protect others.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth since this is how the virus can enter your body.
Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose.
Keep Your Immune System Strong: Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and staying active can help your body stay strong against illnesses.

Treatment for The Flu

If you get the flu, it’s important to rest and give your body time to recover. Here are some ways to help you feel better:

Rest: Stay in bed or relax on the couch and try to get a lot of sleep.
Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear soups. This helps you stay hydrated, especially if you have a fever.
Over-the-Counter Medications: You can take medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help with fever, body aches, and headaches.
Antiviral Medications: If you see a doctor within the first 48 hours of feeling sick, they might give you antiviral medicine. These can make the flu less severe and help you get better faster.

When To See a Doctor

Most people get better from the flu without needing to see a doctor. However, you should see a doctor if you:

Have trouble breathing or feel short of breath.
Have chest pain or very bad muscle pain.
Cannot drink enough fluids and are getting dehydrated.
Feel very dizzy or confused.

For young children, older adults, pregnant women, or people with other health problems, the flu can be more dangerous. These people should contact a doctor if they show flu symptoms.

The Difference Between The Flu and a Cold

People often mix up the flu with a common cold, but they are different. The flu usually comes on suddenly and is much more serious, while a cold comes on slowly and is milder. Colds usually cause a runny nose and sneezing without the high fever or strong body aches that the flu brings.

Here are some key differences:

Flu: Sudden start, high fever, chills, muscle aches, and extreme tiredness.
Cold: Gradual start, milder symptoms, mostly runny nose and sneezing.

The Takeaway

The flu is a common but sometimes serious illness that can make you feel very sick. The best protection is getting the flu shot each year and practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands and covering your coughs. If you do get the flu, rest and take care of yourself, and see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or if you are at higher chance for complications.