Flu

Even if you get the flu vaccine and take everyday preventive action you can still be unlucky and get the flu...it's one of the smartest viruses known to man - HWN

Flu

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What the Flu Does to Your Body, and Why It Makes You Feel So Awful

Every year, from 5 to 20 percent of the people in the United States will become infected with influenza virus. An average of 200,000 of these people will require hospitalization and up to 50,000 will die. Older folks over the age of 65 are especially susceptible to influenza infection, since the immune system becomes weaker with age. In addition, older folks are also more susceptible to long-term disability following influenza infection, especially if they are hospitalized.

We all know the symptoms of influenza infection include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. But just what causes all the havoc? What is going on in your body as you fight the flu?

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Resources

 What the Flu Does to Your Body, and Why It Makes You Feel So Awful

I am a researcher who specializes in immunology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and my laboratory focuses on how influenza infection affects the body and how our bodies combat the virus. It's interesting to note that many of the body's defenses that attack the virus also cause many of the symptoms associated with the flu.

3 things parents should know about flu

Seasonal flu is a respiratory disease that can cause fever, chills, headache, malaise, muscle pain, cough, and a sore throat. These symptoms come on really fast — within 24 hours or so — and should improve over the course of a week (but can last a little longer in young ones). Kids with flu may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.

8 Flu Myths Parents Can Stop Believing Right Now

Flu season is never pleasant, but believing these fallacies make it that much worse.

Flu News Europe

Joint ECDC-WHO/Europe weekly influenza update.

FluTrackers.com

Tracking Infectious Diseases since 2006.

Influenza Report

A medical textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of influenza

Immunization Action Coalition

The Immunization Action Coalition works to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by creating and distributing educational materials for health professionals and the public that enhance the delivery of safe and effective immunization services.

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Influenza: consumers, health professionals, media forum, vaccine for kids

CDC

Influenza (the flu) is serious. Each year in the United States, on average: More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; 36,000 people die from flu.

Genentech

Learn more about infectious diseases like the flu and our work to help treat them.

WHO

Mission of WHO is to contribute to reducing death and disease due to annual influenza epidemics and prepare for the next influenza pandemic.

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