Influenza, commonly known as flu, is an infectious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It’s highly contagious meaning it can spread easily from person to person. It can rapidly transmit in crowded areas including schools and nursing homes.

Flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system i.e. the nose, throat and the lungs. It is estimated that globally up to 650,000 people die each year from respiratory complications that are linked with seasonal influenza¹. Symptoms usually start with a cough or a sneeze, resulting in the spread of tiny droplets containing the virus which can be breathed in by others, or it can land on surfaces that are touched.

Even people with mild or no symptoms can infect others.

In most cases, the symptoms of flu can be managed without seeing a GP and usually disappear within a week. For some people however, they may develop complications such as pneumonia as a result of the flu, which can be life threatening.

Symptoms can develop quite quickly and the following could be experienced:

• Sore throat
• Dry or chesty cough
• Muscle aches
• Sudden fever – temperature of 38°C or above
• Feeling tired/exhausted or have difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Diarrhoea or tummy pain
• Have a loss of appetite, fell nausea or sick
• Children can also get pain in the ears and will appear less active

1 Influenza – estimating burden of disease, WHO, Regional Office for Europe