Flu can be described as a viral infection that primarily attacks the respiratory system, which includes the lungs, the nose, and the throat. It is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that spreads through the air and enters the body through the nose and the mouth.

As per the statistical reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 5% and 20% of the people in the country are affected by the flu each year. Also, there were more than 80,000 deaths last year in the country due to seasonal flu.

From these numbers, one can understand that the flu is not only common but is also deadly. Flu can be seasonal, meaning that it is most common during the fall and winter. Mild cases of the flu tend to get better by themselves without the requirement of any medical intervention. Most of the times, however, the flu can be very severe, and it may require one to visit the emergency room, may lead to hospitalization, or even cause death, all based on the severity of the condition of the patient. It can be particularly deadly for young children under 5 years of age, newborn babies, people above 65 years of age, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions, as there is a higher risk of the development of further complications in these cases.

How does it spread?
The primary way the flu virus spreads is through tiny droplets, which are released into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, and talks. These tiny droplets travel through the air and enter the body of another individual through the mucous membranes of their mouths and noses. The flu virus can also be transmitted when a healthy person touches an object like a keyboard or other surfaces that have the flu virus and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms
The symptoms of the flu can be confused with those of common cold, but they are different medical conditions, and the flu is more serious and needs medical attention as compared to a cold, which is mild. Some of the most common symptoms of the flu are as follows:

• A fever that is above 100.4 F.
• Body and muscle pain
• Sweating profusely
• Severe chills
• General weakness and fatigue
• Sore throat caused by the viral infection
• Dry cough that is sometimes persistent
• Nasal congestion
• A headache

Complications
While most people who get mild flu with the above symptoms may recover without medication in a few days to about less than 2 weeks, some develop serious and life-threatening complications because of the flu. Some serious complications of the flu are:

• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis, which affects the heart
• Encephalitis, which affects the brain
• Myositis, which affects the muscles and tissues
• Multi-organ failure, like kidney failure

It is important to consult a doctor to avoid these complications of the flu.