Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

About Influenza (Flu)

Microscopic view of influenza virus

The flu is caused by influenza viruses that spread easily from person-to-person. The virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs.

Anyone can get the flu. People who have pre-existing medical conditions, those who live in long-term care facilities, and children younger than 5 are at greater risk for more severe illness from the flu. However, it is important to remember that even young and healthy people can also become very sick.

The flu can be spread at any time, so it is important to take precautions year-round. For information on how to protect yourself against the flu, visit our Flu Prevention page. For more information on avian flu, visit our Avian Influenza A Virus page.

The flu is spread directly from infected people or from objects that infected people have touched

  • The flu virus is found in droplets from the nose and throat of infected people.
  • When infected people cough or sneeze, those droplets can be breathed in by people around them or land on objects around them.
  • If someone touches an object with the virus on it, and then uses their hands to touch their face, mouth, or eyes, the virus can make them sick.

Symptoms can show up one to four days after being exposed to the flu virus

The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can sometimes lead to death. Symptoms usually begin suddenly, unlike the common cold. Many people who get the flu will recover in a few days to two weeks, but some people may become very sick, or have complications that may be life-threatening. Complications can range from sinus and ear infections, to pneumonia and multi-organ failure. Many people who become very sick are older than 65 have a medical condition such as diabetes or asthma, kidney disease, or are pregnant.

Common signs and symptoms

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches

Note: Not everyone will have a fever with the flu.

Adult drinking a cup covered with blanket and a crumpled tissue on lap, holding a thermometer

When to seek medical advice

It is important to know when to seek medical advice if you have the flu. There are warning signs and symptoms to watch out for in adults and children, such as trouble breathing, a fever that won't go away, or a fever that returns after you start to feel better. These signs may mean that you have complications related to the flu, such as pneumonia, and need to get treatment immediately. The symptoms of flu are also very similar to those of COVID-19.

Emergency warning signs and symptoms in adults

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver disease

Emergency warning signs and symptoms in children and infants

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Irritability
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough
  • High fever with a rash
  • Being unable to eat
  • No tears when crying
  • Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

Most people get influenza in the fall and winter.

Graph showing the seasonality of influenza

Department of Health Services (DHS) resources

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) resources

The flu is preventable. Visit our Flu Prevention page to learn how to protect yourself from the flu.

Questions about the flu? Contact us!
Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-261-4976

Last revised November 21, 2023