- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and can sometimes lead to hospitalization or even death. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. The flu is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is important to get vaccinated against the flu each year to help prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself and others from getting sick.

1. Age: Young children, elderly individuals, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.

2. Chronic medical conditions: Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.

3. Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu due to changes in their immune system and respiratory system.

4. Obesity: Individuals who are obese are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu due to their weakened immune system.

5. Living or working in crowded environments: Individuals who live or work in crowded environments such as nursing homes, schools, or hospitals are at a higher risk of being exposed to the flu virus.

6. Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses are highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The main causes of influenza include:

1. Influenza viruses: There are three main types of influenza viruses - influenza A, B, and C. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks, while influenza C virus causes milder respiratory symptoms.

2. Close contact with infected individuals: The flu virus can spread easily from person to person through close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or kissing.

3. Contaminated surfaces: Influenza viruses can survive on surfaces for a short period of time, so touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face can lead to infection.

4. Weakened

1. Antiviral medications: Prescription antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.

2. Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve body aches. Decongestants and cough suppressants can help alleviate nasal congestion and cough.

3. Rest and hydration: Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated by drinking fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear broths can help the body recover from the flu.

4. Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water

There is no cure for the flu, as it is a viral infection. However, there are antiviral medications that can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of onset. These medications include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab). Additionally, over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and congestion. It is also important to rest, stay hydrated, and practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the virus to others.