Do other respiratory viruses circulate during the influenza season? In addition to the flu virus, a few other respiratory viruses also can circulate during the influenza season and may cause  signs and illness similar to those seen with flu infection. These non-flu viruses include rhinovirus (one cause of the “common cold”) and respiratory syncytial virus …Continue reading →

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as “staph,” are bacteria healthful individuals  can carry on the skin or in the nose. Staph bacteria commonly cause skin infections. Most of these infections are minor, appearing as pimples and boils, and are treated without antibiotics. In addition to skin infections, staph bacteria could cause  infections in the …Continue reading →

What is the difference between a cold and the flu? The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they’re caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it may be challenging to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is …Continue reading →

What is flu? Influenza, widely called “the flu,” is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu causes severe disease and life-threatening complications in many individuals . What are the signs of the flu? Influenza is a …Continue reading →

What is the flu? The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by flu virus.  The flu can spread from person to person. Most individuals  with flu are sick for about a week, but then feel better. However, some people  (especially young children, pregnant women, older people , …Continue reading →

Fact Sheet The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory diseases like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that may be used to treat …Continue reading →

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. There are two types of vaccines – o  the “flu shot” –  an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, generally in the arm.  The flu shot is approved for use in people  older than 6 …Continue reading →

Individuals to Person The main way that influenza viruses are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of individuals  nearby. Influenza viruses might …Continue reading →

Influenza Symptoms Influenza (also known as the flu) is a infectious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause  mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.  The flu is different from a cold.  The flu ordinarily comes on suddenly and may include these signs – o  Fever (usually high) o …Continue reading →

What’s Influenza (Also Called Flu)? The flu is a infectious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It can cause  mild to severe disease, and at times can lead to death.  The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the U.S., on average- o  5% to …Continue reading →