What is Influenza?

While the name "influenza" may seem like a foreign word to some, almost everyone has come into contact with this illness at some point. But despite its ubiquity in the medical world, many people may still wonder, "What is influenza?"

Commonly referred to simply as the "flu", influenza is a viral infection that is spread from person to person, animal to animal, and in some cases, animal to humans. While the term flu is often used to describe illnesses that exhibit symptoms similar to a cold or a stomach bug, this is not what influenza is. True flu infections usually do not include vomiting or diarrhea, but do usually include fever, body aches, sweating, and loss of appetite.

Typically, the flu will last from 2-4 days and is most common in the winter and early spring months. However, since there are many different types of flu strains, it can be difficult to know what influenza types will be most common that season. Because of this, precautions like vaccinations often cannot be administered until after flu season has already begun.

Usually, influenza is mild and people will recover fairly quickly. However, young children, people with compromised immune systems, and seniors are at a higher risk of developing complications, such as secondary infections.

If you suspect you or a family member is suffering from the flu, or you simply would like more influenza information, consult with your primary care provider to learn more.