Influenza (flu) is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year and using preventive actions like handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
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Flu Facts
- The flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses. Because the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. Antibiotics are, however, useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the flu.
- Flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. People may catch the flu by touching objects contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- The flu season in the U.S. usually occurs during the winter months; however, cases can occur throughout the year.
Symptoms of Flu
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks. Common flu symptoms include: - Fever*
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults.
*Not everyone with flu will have a fever. | 
Flu Vaccine Poster |
More information is available at Flu and COVID-19 Symptoms 
.
Reduce the Spread of Flu
The best way to prevent the spread of flu and severe illness and death from flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines help to reduce the burden of flu illnesses, doctors' visits, hospitalizations, and deaths on the health care system each year.
Other preventive actions include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean your hands often with soap and warm water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, then sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow, not your hand.
Influenza Guidance, Recommendations and Policies
Clinicians and Public Health Professionals
General Information on Flu
Communication Resources
Non-Government Sources
Disclaimer: The mention of any non-federal entity and/or its
products is not to be construed or interpreted, in any manner, as federal
endorsement of that non-federal entity or its products.
