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Influenza also known as the "flu" is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms range from mild to quite severe.
Most healthy people recover from the flu without any complications. However, some, especially the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes and heart problems) can suffer serious, and even fatal, complications such as dehydration and pneumonia.
Some flu symptoms include:
The flu can be spread from person to person, and the best way to protect yourself is to get an annual flu shot. The disease is most common between the months of October and March. Other ways to protect you against the flu include: