What's the flu and who can catch it?

What is the flu?  The “flu” or influenza, caused by one of several influenza virus, is a contagious respiratory illness.  According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htme

·             Fever, feeling feverish/chills (not everyone will have fever)

·        Cough, sore throat

·        Runny, stuffy nose

·        Feeling achy all over, feeling tired, even to the point of feeling exhausted

·        Having headaches

·        Vomiting and diarrhea (some adults, and often children will suffer vomiting and diarrhea)

Who is at risk for the flu (influenza)?  Anyone can get the flu.  People who are considered at higher risk for the flu (and complications such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, etc), include people 65 years and older, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic health problems (diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung conditions such as asthma or ).