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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is not the same as the stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:

  • Young children
  • Older adults
  • Pregnant women
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People who have chronic illnesses

Your best defense against influenza is to receive an annual vaccination.

Symptoms
References
  1. Seasonal influenza — Questions & answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  2. Key facts about influenza (flu) & flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  3. Dolin R. Clinical manifestations of seasonal influenza in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  4. What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm. Nov. 21, 2012.
  5. Dolin R. Epidemiology of influenza. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  6. Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Online. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=4. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  7. Influenza antiviral medications: Summary for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  8. Zachary KC. Treatment of seasonal influenza in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  9. What you should know for the 2012-2013 influenza season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012-2013.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  10. Preventing the flu: Good health habits can help stop germs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  11. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 30, 2012.
  12. Jefferson T, et al. Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/view/0/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2012.
DS00081 Feb. 21, 2013

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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