Flu Basics

What is Flu?

Influenza or flu is a highly-contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza virus. Infected patients may suffer mild-to-severe symptoms and may even cause death in some cases. A good way to prevent this illness is by receiving an annual flu vaccination.

Each year Arizona records 5% to 20% of its population as being infected with the flu;
more than 4,000 of its citizens are confined to the hospital and clinics due to flu symptoms, and
about 700 of these cases are fatal.

The most common Flu symptoms are:

• High fever
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Body malaise
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or clogged nose

Patients may also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea could occur but are more common in young patients.