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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffInfluenza 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.
- Key facts about seasonal flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Cold versus flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- People at high risk of developing flu-related complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Fort GG. Influenza. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Tang JW, et al. Emerging, Novel, and Known Influenza Virus Infections in Humans. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2010;24:603.
- The flu: Caring for someone sick at home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/homecare/. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- 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 July 16, 2011.
- The flu: What to do if you get sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 25, 2011.
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